Government supports Geraldton-Greenough amalgamation

30/4/07 Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today presented the City of Geraldton with a cheque for $462,000.

30/4/07
Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today presented the City of Geraldton with a cheque for $462,000.
The cheque is the first instalment of a Connecting Local Governments grant of $1.3million from the State Government to assist with implementing the amalgamation of the City of Geraldton and the Shire of Greenough, scheduled to be created on July 1.
Ms Ravlich commended the outgoing elected members for their leadership and commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for the merger between the two local governments.
"From the outset, both councils have taken a lead role in working to achieve the future sustainability of the district," she said.
"The successful application submitted to the Connecting Local Governments funding program reflected a comprehensive, well-planned approach, based on community consultation, which will enhance the future and improve the effectiveness of local government operations."
The Minister said the initial grant would be allocated to support a smooth transition of services during the amalgamation process such as:

  • development of best practice approaches;
  • organisational change processes;
  • human resources management;
  • telecommunications;
  • development of governance systems; and
  • community engagement.
"The amalgamation will create the capacity for a consolidated local government to serve the community effectively," Ms Ravlich said.
"It will avoid any duplication of services and future cost savings can be directed into community services."
As part of the amalgamation process, the positions of the members of both local governments were declared vacant on April 30. The Minister said she was pleased with the appointment of three joint commissioners who would oversee the local governments until elections for the council of the new Shire of Geraldton-Greenough took place on October 20.
The commissioners would include: Mr Jeff Carr, chairperson; Mr Malcolm Smith, deputy chairperson; and Ms Jan Grimoldby.
Minister's office - 9213 6800