Albany Town Council's decision to clear way for amalgamation welcomed

24/9/97

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei welcomed the decision by the Albany Town Council to resign from November 30 in order to clear the way for an amalgamation with the Albany Shire.

"I understand that the Shire Council intends to make the same decision at its meeting this afternoon, so my comments are addressed to both councils equally," Mr Omodei said.

"I believe they have shown outstanding local leadership in facilitating an important restructure of local government in the region.

"Albany is a region rich in history and tradition, but sometimes these riches can be an impediment to long range planning for the future.

"The councillors and staff from both local governments appear to have been able to put the past and the future into a clear perspective which has enabled them to make courageous and clear-sighted decisions.

"I understand that there has been outstanding community support for the leadership shown by the councils.

"This augurs well for the community's future as one local government.

"I will begin preparations immediately for the appointment of commissioners, but I will wait to hear from the Local Government Advisory Board before taking any other formal action in relation to the councils' decisions.

"The councils have given real leadership to their local community and have provided an example which may motivate other local governments to become more seriously involved in planning the future structure of local government in their regions."

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9366 0200