Amalgamation of the City of Geraldton and the Shire of Greenough

30/3/07 The amalgamation of the City of Geraldton and the Shire of Greenough into a new local government called the City of Geraldton-Greenough will come into effect on July 1.

30/3/07
The amalgamation of the City of Geraldton and the Shire of Greenough into a new local government called the City of Geraldton-Greenough will come into effect on July 1.
Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said the State Government's decision to approve the amalgamation would have several benefits for the council and community.
"An amalgamated larger local government will have greater capacity to promote economic development and improve the delivery of services to residents," Ms Ravlich said.
"There will be increased opportunities to attract and retain specialist staff and strengthen important economic relationships between the rural and urban sectors.

"Currently, the boundary between the city and shire divides the urban community. The amalgamation will create a link enabling urban and rural residents to influence how regional services and facilities are developed.
"I congratulate the members of the city and shire on the vision they have shown and the manner in which they have worked together to bring about the amalgamation."
To facilitate the amalgamation, the members of the city and the shire have agreed to their positions being declared vacant.
Three commissioners have been appointed to both the city and the shire from May 1 to June 30 and the same commissioners to the new city from July 1, until councillors are elected to the new city at the October 20 election.
The commissioners are:

  • Jeff Carr - chairperson: a former Member of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Geraldton, former Minister for Local Government and current member of the Geraldton Port Authority;
  • Malcolm Smith - deputy chairperson: local media and business consultant; and
  • Jan Grimoldby - current chief executive officer (CEO) of the South Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council and former CEO of the Town of Cottesloe.
The amalgamation was initiated by the existing city and shire and meets the Government's policy for encouraging voluntary amalgamations of local governments.
Minister's office - 9213 6800