A CAMPAIGN to shift Hamilton Hill and North Coogee from Cockburn into Greater Fremantle is still alive — but only just.

Fremantle council has deferred a decision on the boundary change so officers can work out how much it will cost.

Fremantle mayor Brad Pettitt says it would be a waste of time and money to attempt an amalgamation just now, because Cockburn council is opposed to it.

“We would love to have these people in Fremantle, but it’s all a question of timing,” he said.

Minor victory

South Beach Village residents wanting to be part of Fremantle, including former Fremantle MLA Adele Carles, were in the council gallery, and retired to the National Hotel to celebrate their minor victory.

“There is much to be gained for Fremantle, with very little commitment of time and resources,” says Ms Carles.

“For instance, Fremantle would gain a lucrative rates base of around $2 million per year by including South Beach Village in its boundaries.

“Fremantle ran the initial community consultation workshops for South Beach Village and it was Fremantle residents who attended and gave input into the initial structure plan – South Beach Village was always seen as part of Fremantle.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK