Its decision has been supported by residents.

The results of the 2009 Shire of Denmark Structural Reform Electors Survey showed that 88.3 per cent of respondents believed that Denmark should remain independent.

However, 74.6 per cent believed that any boundary adjustment should include Walpole and 67.1 per cent agreeded with encroaching into Albany.

This included adjusting Denmark’s boundary to include Albany’s catchment of the Wilson Inlet with the localities of Nullaki, Youngs Siding, Redmond West and Lowlands.

The State’s local governments had to submit their reform submissions by September 30.

The Shire has advised the Minister for Local Government that it has considered amalgamation and boundary adjustments options with neighbours and local authorities in the Great Southern Land Division and resolved not to seek active amalgamation with another local authority.

It believes it can continue to be an effective, sustainable, responsive and representative advocate for the community as it is.

The Shire has endorsed eight recommendations it has forwarded to the Minister.

Shire president Cr Kim Barrow said Council looked forward to “receiving the Minister’s feedback and assessment of our submission.”

“We are confident that he will come to the same conclusion that we as a Council and community have,” he said.

“That preserving Denmark’s unique character and qualities deserves a strong and sustainable local authority which we currently, and seek to continue to, provide.”