The plan, which would see the southern half of the shire amalgamate with Nannup Shire, was discussed during the Karridale Progress Association annual meeting last week.

KPA secretary Heather Matthews said members would now seek a meeting with the Augusta Community Development Association to explore areas of common ground.

The move came in response to dissatisfaction with the council’s proposed Karridale Strategy, which some residents fear would spoil the rural character of the village.

“Contingent on discussions with ACDA the KPA will, individually or in alliance with the ACDA, make contact with Nannup Shire for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of Nannup objectives, focus and style with a view to consideration of closer ties,” Mrs Mathews said.

“Basically we want to explore all the options.

“A split away from the Margaret River Shire would be a huge messy undertaking, which could be impossible to achieve, but if we get to know them better we could still work with them on other joint events, ideas and plans for development.

“At this point in time many residents down this end of the shire are disenchanted with Margaret River and feel the rural character has been lost.

“Of course it’s early days, and we haven’t had a referendum, only a vote in favour of exploration.

“We understand, but have not yet checked out, that replication of some of the Nannup planning policies would be an advantage to rural residents here.”

From the shire perspective, acting CEO Wayne Prangell said the Karridale community would be better off to align themselves with a strong, viable and sustainable council to met the needs of both current and future generations.

The AMRSC earned a category one rating by a ministerial Structural Reform Committee, against Nannup’s category three rating, Mr Prangnell said.

“Nannup would be facing the prospect of amalgamation themselves,” he said.

“A small handful of people are unhappy about the Karridale Strategy, which is out for public comment at the moment.