Albany council commended on decision to have most councillors resign

16/11/97

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei today congratulated the Albany Town Council for proceeding with their decision to have the majority of councillors resign today so that the council could be dismissed and commissioners installed as a prelude to the creation of a single local government in the Albany region.

"The Town councillors have shown both wisdom and courage in carrying out their decision," Mr Omodei said.

"They have clearly seen that the future of Albany lies in having one local government to plan and administer services for the region.

"They have been able to see beyond existing boundaries to recognise that the people of the region are the people of Albany, not separate tribes called 'town people' and 'shire people'.

"When I met them just over a week ago, they demonstrated that they are approaching the proposed amalgamation without any vestiges of a 'them and us' mentality and without any of the mistaken idea that the two councils have separate interests in this matter.

"The people of Albany have a common interest in having their affairs managed by one local government.

"The town councillors have shown real leadership and have given an example which is beginning to influence other local governments around the State who need to address the question of restructuring."

Mr Omodei said that the appointment of commissioners had been approved by Cabinet and would be recommended to the Governor this week.

Former Main Roads Commissioner Ken Michael will be chairman of the three-member Commission, with former Plantagenet Shire President Will McGowan as deputy chairman, and a partner in Judge Constable Accountants, Mrs Beverley Winterton, as the third commissioner.

Their term of office would be until the creation of the proposed City of Albany, whereupon they would be re-appointed as commissioners of the city until the city held its inaugural elections.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 9366 0200