I am petitioning the City of Mitcham to contact the neighbouring Councils of Unley and Adelaide Hills seeking their interest in undertaking a joint feasibility study into possible amalgamations and/or boundary adjustments of the three councils.

At a time when the South Australian Government is asking us to look at our ward structures and find savings, it makes sense to work with neighbouring councils to explore options for future community opportunities. Now is the time to consider this. 

For a number of years, Mitcham has struggled with balancing the needs and managing the expectations of differing communities between the hills and the plains. The time has come to explore what the benefits to the community will be if we were to recast council boundaries, and if the outcomes would substantially outweigh the costs. Recasting council boundaries needs to be considered to ensure every dollar of ratepayer money is wisely spent and synergies are maximised. 

Petition Statement

We the undersigned, hereby Petition the City of Mitcham Council to review the possibility of boundary changes in the City of Mitcham, including consideration of amalgamation with neighbouring councils.

I believe that a realignment of boundaries between councils will:

1.   Improve communities of interests and overcome physical barriers. The Hills Face Zone separates Mitcham into two disparate communities, with differing needs and objectives. Compared to Mitcham Hills, Mitcham Plains residents face more urban consolidation even though they currently have much lower public open space and higher population density. Mitcham Hills residents have different infrastructure needs together with the threat of bushfire.

2.    Reduce the range of issues to be considered by elected members and staff, allowing better focus and economies of scale.  This will result in more relevant services at lower cost, to better meet the expectations of residents.

3.    Facilitate effective and coherent planning of development and transport routes.

For more information please visit www.councilamalgamationssa.com