New era for Narrogin

• Two councils servicing fewer than 5,500 residents to be reduced to one

• Reduced duplication and greater efficiencies to be achieved 

The Shire of Narrogin and the Town of Narrogin will merge next year to form one local government authority, Local Government Minister Tony Simpson announced today.

The merger on July 1, 2016 will see the boundary of the Town of Narrogin adjusted to include the existing shire, forming a new and expanded Shire of Narrogin.

Mr Simpson said council staff and elected members from both authorities had worked closely with their communities to pave the way for the future amalgamation.

"The Shire and Town of Narrogin have recognised the long-term benefits of amalgamation and have been committed to the local government reform process for the past five years," he said.

The existing Shire of Narrogin spans an area of 1,600 square kilometres and has a population of less than 900 residents, while more than 4,300 residents live in the Town of Narrogin with a land area of 12.6 square kilometres.

"The merger will enable the new Shire of Narrogin to better plan for the future by delivering more sustainable services and infrastructure," the Minister said.

"Both councils have been very supportive of change and I commend them for the way in which they have managed the reform process."

The new shire will comprise one rural ward and one urban ward and each ward will have four councillors. An extraordinary election will be held in 2016 to elect the Shire of Narrogin council.

Fact File

• Narrogin is in the Wheatbelt region of WA, 192 kilometres from Perth

• The Minister accepted a recommendation by the Local Government Advisory Board that the Narrogin merger takes place 

Minister's office - 6552 6600