Government supports Northam amalgamation

09/01/07
Local Government Minister John Bowler today announced that the Government would commit a total of $725,000 to assist the Shire and Town of Northam in an amalgamation.
The two local governments have already received a grant of $25,000 and today received a further $100,000 to examine operational matters required to ensure a smooth transition for a proposed amalgamation.
Mr Bowler said he welcomed the prospect of an amalgamation to deliver improved services to the people of Northam and surrounding areas.
"An amalgamation is a complex undertaking, but a thorough feasibility study provides the opportunity to find the best way of working through the processes," he said.
If the proposed amalgamation were to go ahead next year, the amalgamated Shire of Northam would receive a further $600,000 in implementation funding.
A number of local governments have requested funding through the Connecting Local Governments program, to explore the benefits of amalgamation and resource sharing.
The Minister said he was pleased to see local governments embracing the structural reform initiatives recommended by the Local Government Advisory Board in its report -'Local Government Structural and Electoral Reform in WA: Ensuring the future sustainability of communities', earlier this year.
More information about the Connecting Local Governments funding program can be obtained from the Department of Local Government by contacting Fiona Colbeck, 9217 1421, or from the department's website at http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au/
Minister's office - 9222 9699