JUST weeks after confirming it was no longer an Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) member, the City of Swan has admitted it recently signed a commercial agreement and that its new operations director is the regional council’s former chief.

On September 11 the city said it had signed an agreement to send the city’s waste to the EMRC on August 18 and that they would announce the appointment of the EMRC’s then chief executive officer Matthew MacPherson soon, which they did on  September 16.

In Swan confirms EMRC exit leaving two members Mayor Tanya Richardson said the city would continue to use the Red Hill waste management facility as a commercial customer.

Swan deputy mayor Ian Johnson had previously taken to social media on July 11 to express his opposition of the city’s withdrawal from the EMRC saying the city would be charged higher waste fees because it was no longer a member council.

Echo News understands this may not be the case.

Last week Echo News asked the city why it had decided to send its waste to the EMRC as a private contractor.

“It offers the best value for the city and our ratepayers,’’ the city said.

This differs to what Bassendean Mayor Kathryn Hamilton told Echo News back in July that the town had greater control over its waste stream’s fees and charges being a member of the EMRC, rather than being at the whim of market forces.

Cr Hamilton also said rates would always be cheaper under a membership model for landfill.

When asked if the City of Swan would still be paying the same rate as a member council or a different rate the city said it was “currently unable to confirm the rates that other member councils are paying”.

The city said councillors did not make the decision to send the city’s waste to the EMRC and it was an administration decision.

The city said Mr MacPherson has taken on the Operations executive director role replacing Jim Coten, who had worked at the city for more than 24 years across two employment terms.

On July 23 when Echo News asked if Mr Coten was on leave but was then going to a job at the City of Melville the city said due to the personal nature of the question the city did not have a comment.

Mr MacPherson will start with the city later this year, “bringing extensive local government leadership experience” to Western Australia’s biggest metropolitan council by land size.

“In his new role, Mr MacPherson will oversee the city’s operational divisions, including asset management, project management, construction and maintenance and fleet and waste services,’’ the city said.

“He has also held senior executive positions at a number of Western Australian local governments, giving him broad experience in delivering complex projects, leading large teams and managing critical community services.’’

Swan chief executive officer Stephen Cain said Mr MacPherson’s appointment would support the continued growth of the city’s operations division.

“Matthew is an outstanding addition to the city’s executive team, and his extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to meet the needs of our growing community,” he said.

“These areas are at the heart of how we deliver for our residents every day – from maintaining quality infrastructure and public spaces to managing essential services like waste and recycling.

“Matthew’s leadership will help ensure we continue to deliver these services efficiently and effectively, while driving forward major infrastructure projects.”