Three South Perth councillors resign in three days, leaving city in turmoil

South Perth's skyline as viewed from across the Swan River. (ABC News: David Weber) Three South Perth councillors have resigned over three days — all citing issues with the latest city budget, which increased rates by 5.95 per cent. Outgoing councillors have labelled the council "dysfunctional", while the City of South Perth has defended its decision to increase rates. In February, the state's Local Government Inspector appointed a monitor to oversee the City, making it the fourth WA council to have such an official appointed. Link copiedShareShare articleYet another Western Australian council is in turmoil after three South Perth councillors resigned over three days, with the instability set against the backdrop of a ministerial threat of forced council amalgamations. On Friday, Hayley Prendiville announced she would be leaving the City of South Perth, while colleagues Bronwyn Waugh and Tim Houweling did the same on Sunday — all citing issues with the latest city budget, which increased rates by 5.95 per cent. Mr Houweling, who had only been in the role for eight months, said it was "not justified when mums and dads are doing it tough". Three councillors have resigned from the City of South Perth (right), while six remain. (ABC News) But pressed further, he conceded his grievances went beyond the budget, labelling the city "fractured" and "dysfunctional". "The fracturing is not driven by party politics," the prominent Liberal Party member told 102.5 ABC Perth. "It's no secret that the mayor is also a member of the Liberal Party, and one might say that him and I were not in agreement on many, or if not most, matters that were put to the council." The South Perth peninsula has become the site of many large apartment developments in recent years. (ABC News: Gian De Poloni) In a statement on social media, Ms Waugh said "the recent budget was a significant factor" in her decision to resign and also cited dysfunction among council members. "I have become increasingly concerned about the governance environment within the organisation," she wrote. "During my term, and before it, residents have witnessed ongoing disputes, organisational instability, significant staff turnover and the resignation of multiple elected members." The City of South Perth's Budget was adopted five votes to four at a special council meeting on Thursday night. (ABC News: David Weber) In a statement, the City of South Perth said rate increases were "never taken lightly", but are necessary to maintain service levels, deliver community infrastructure and respond to rising costs. "While the 5.95 per cent rate revenue increase is above the current inflation rate, it follows seven consecutive years of keeping rate increases at or below inflation." In February, the state's Local Government Inspector appointed a monitor to oversee the City of South Perth. Across the river, the City of Perth is also dealing with dysfunction. (ABC News: Benjamin Gubana) It is the fourth WA council to have been appointed such an official in recent months, joining the City of Perth, City of Nedlands and Town of Port Hedland. Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley said it was "beyond disappointing to see this type of instability at another local government". "It will no doubt be concerning for City of South Perth residents and ratepayers," Ms Beazley said in a statement. "Further information is being sought so the necessary action can be taken. In 2015 the Barnett government abandoned plans to merge Perth councils — but now the idea has reared its head again. Here's what you need to know. "Our local government sector needs a reset." Earlier this year, Ms Beazley said council amalgamations were "absolutely" back on the table, telling journalists the state's 139 local governments were "too many and it is not sustainable." Meanwhile, another government minister, John Carey, advocated merging the troubled City of Perth with the adjacent City of Vincent.

Three South Perth councillors resign in three days, leaving city in turmoil

Key takeaways

More in international