Population 20,333 (2007) Abolished 2007 State electorate(s) Geraldton Founded 1871 Council seat Geraldton Federal division Division of Durack | Established 1871 Mayor Vickie Petersen City of Geraldton (former) Greenough Area 46.3 km² Region Mid West | |
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Points of interest HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Museum of Geraldton, Point Moore Lighthouse, Old Geraldton Gaol Craf, Spalding Park | ||
The City of Geraldton was a local government area in the Mid West region of Western Australia, 424 kilometres (263 mi) north of the state capital, Perth on the Indian Ocean. The City covered an area of 46.3 square kilometres (17.9 sq mi), and its seat of government was the town of Geraldton.
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Map of Geraldton WA, Australia
The council amalgamated with the Shire of Greenough, which contained Geraldton's industrial and outer suburban areas, in 2007 to form the City of Geraldton-Greenough. The area is now, as of 1 July 2011, part of the City of Greater Geraldton.
History
Geraldton was gazetted as a municipal district in 1871. On 1 July 1961, it became a town following the enactment of the Local Government Act 1960. On 22 April 1988, Geraldton attained city status.
Amalgamation
A recommendation was made to the Minister for Local Government by the Local Government Advisory Board in August 2006 to amalgamate the City of Geraldton with the neighbouring Shire of Greenough.
The Greenough electors successfully petitioned for a referendum to determine whether amalgamation should proceed. This was held on 2 December 2006, and with a participation rate of 28.74%, a majority of 80% voted against the proposal. However, under the Local Government Act 1995 (clause 10 of Schedule 2.1) as the vote did not attract 50% of registered voters, it did not meet the requirements for a valid poll.
The councillors of both local government authorities resigned at the end of April 2007, and the first elections were held in October 2007.
Wards
The City had not been divided into wards since the 1970s, and the twelve councillors represented all electors. The mayor was directly elected.