[2] The separation was opposed by the existing Bunbury Road Board, who argued that it would take away a valuable portion of their district.
[1][7] The abolition met with considerable local opposition, a public campaign for retention and attempts to lobby the Premier and Minister for Local Government, but Premier Ross McLarty was insistent, arguing that several ministers, the previous Labor government and a Royal Commission had considered and supported the decision.
[8][9][10][11] The section amalgamated with the Municipality of Bunbury became its new Suburban Ward.
[12] There was some dissatisfaction in the years following the road district's abolition that rates had increased while works that would have been completed under the old system were not being carried out.
[13][14][15] Frank Guthrie was a long-serving member and chairman of the road board.