Minister welcomes the new president of WALGA

Local Government Minister John Castrilli congratulated City of Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard on his election as the new president of the West Australian Local Government Association (WALGA).

"I have high regard for Mayor Pickard whom I describe as an outstanding individual, highly regarded by his own electors and now by his peers. He has the essential skills set, knowledge and experience to provide strong leadership and vision for WALGA," Mr Castrilli said.

The Minister acknowledged the local government sector within Western Australia faced considerable challenges to remain viable and deliver value for money and service to ratepayers. He said strong objective sector-led leadership would greatly enhance the sector's ability to work with the State Government to respond positively to those challenges.

"I have confidence in Mayor Pickard as president of WALGA and look forward to the impact his style of leadership and vision will have within WALGA and the local government sector in general, particularly in working with the State Government to ensure much-needed reforms are delivered in the best interests of ratepayers," Mr Castrilli said.

The Minister also congratulated newly elected deputy president Councillor Steve Martin, the shire president of Wickepin, describing the new leadership team as a sound balance of metropolitan and regional local government representation.

Minister's office  - 9213 6800