With more than 180,000 residents in 2026, the population is forecast to grow to more than 300,000 people by 2050, and the way our community is represented on Council needs to keep pace.
Ward boundaries might seem like a technical matter, but they help ensure every community has fair representation on Council.
As Swan grows, population changes are creating imbalances in the number of ratepayers represented by each councillor across the City.
That's why we're reviewing our ward boundaries and the number of councillors representing each ward.
In line with the Local Government Act 1995, the City must consider a range of factors when reviewing our wards and representation.
These include fair and balanced representation, communities with common interests, population growth, physical and geographic features and economic connections.
What are the options?
1. One City-wide ward – the City would become one ward, with all 14 councillors plus the Mayor, representing the whole City
2. Five wards with significant boundary changes – the City would keep its five existing wards and 14 councillors, plus the Mayor, but with significant changes to the current ward boundaries
3. Five wards with fewer councillors – the City would keep five wards but reduce the number of councillors from 14 to 12, plus the Mayor. Ward boundaries would also be adjusted
4. Five wards with limited boundary changes – the City would keep its five wards and 14 councillors, plus the Mayor, with more limited changes to the current ward boundaries.
The options have been developed to balance representation while, where possible, keeping communities with shared characteristics and interests together.
Council has not taken a position on any of the options. The options are not final, and through the submission process, the community can provide feedback on them or suggest other options for Council to consider.
We are also interested in hearing your views on the current Ward names.
Have your say
Community consultation opened on September 23, 2026 and closes on November 6, 2026.
We encourage you to take a look at the proposed ward structures and share your views, including any alternative options for consideration.
Your feedback will help inform the review of how communities across the City are represented.
