The City of Wanneroo’s bid to explore a potential city split and create a new local government in Perth’s northern suburbs has been shelved, after it was revealed the move would be too costly and resource-intensive at this time.

More than a year after council first voted to investigate carving out a new local government — which some councillors proposed naming the “City of Yanchep” — elected members this week adopted an internal report recommending the proposal not proceed.

In the preliminary report into the feasibility of reviewing the city’s district boundaries, officers said doing it now would present significant financial, resourcing and strategic challenges.

“Based on current information available, administration notes that progressing a district boundary review at this time would present significant challenges in delivering the city’s strategic priorities under the Council Plan 2025-2035,” the report said.

“Undertaking a district boundary review alongside these commitments would require substantial additional organisational capacity and financial resources over an extended period.

“Should a proposal ultimately be approved, implementation may also involve governance transition arrangements, including the appointment of commissioners, which could further affect continuity during a period of significant organisational change.”

With no comparable local government subdivision proposals of a similar size ever undertaken, city officers examined major NSW council amalgamations to help estimate the resources that may be required.

The report found any proposal would likely take at least two to three years to develop, with assessment by the Local Government Advisory Board and the Minister for Local Government expected to take up more time.

It also estimated staff costs associated with developing the proposal would total between $600,000 and $850,000 a year, excluding consultancy and other associated costs.

The proposal to look into splitting was initiated by Cr Paul Miles in February 2025 amid concerns about the city’s rapid population growth and vast geographic size, with Cr Miles stating “we have to do something” as pressure on the local government continues to grow.

The City of Wanneroo’s population is estimated to be around 250,000, up from 178,000 in 2013, and is on track to overtake the City of Stirling as WA’s most populous local government, if it has not already done so.

Wanneroo, which at 685sqkm is Perth’s second-largest local government by area, is forecast to grow to more than 430,000 residents by 2046.

Despite the rapid development, city officers reiterated that now was not the right time to pursue a boundary review, particularly as development continues in the city’s far north.

“While the city has undergone substantial growth and change since its boundaries were established in 1998, advice received indicates that any district boundary review would be a significant undertaking, requiring considerable financial investment, dedicated staffing resources, extensive stakeholder consultation and a multi-year commitment with no certainty of success,” city officers said at a council agenda briefing last week.

“Undertaking a district boundary review during a period of rapid development may risk misalignment with future settlement patterns and infrastructure investments.

“Therefore, further work is required to assess whether current conditions support an enduring and well-justified proposal.”

There are currently 139 local governments in WA, the most of any Australian State or territory.