COCKBURN councillors are in open conflict over boundary reform, with Steve Portelli demanding that Lee-Anne Smith (right)  excuse herself from merger-related talks because she cannot be trusted.

Cr Portelli says Cr Smith has admitted to receiving private briefings from Kwinana, whose submission recommends northwards expansion to Coogee, with Fremantle expanding south to take the rest, and Cockburn simply ceasing to exist.

Cr Smith confirms she’d received a briefing from Kwinana CEO Joanne Abbiss and mayor Carol Adams, after she’d missed a community briefing.

“They gave me exactly the same briefing and the same powerpoint they showed the community,” she said.

“I did not receive a financial briefing. I just wanted more information.”

She’s refusing to step aside, saying there is nothing underhand about talking to neighbouring councils.

In state parliament, Cockburn Labor MP Fran Logan again called on the Barnett government to keep its mitts off one of “Australia’s most financially viable” local governments.

But WA local government minister Tony Simpson accused councils such as Cockburn of wasting ratepayers’ money in fighting the changes.

Cockburn has spent $70,000 so far opposing its proposed dissolution.

by CARMELO AMALFI