Government will move quickly on Wiluna Shire

26/8/03
The State Government will move quickly to appoint a commissioner to oversee the operations of the Shire of Wiluna until a new election is held by June 2004.
Local Government Minister Tom Stephens said the move was made necessary by the resignation of four of seven Wiluna councillors over the weekend.
Mr Stephens said he expected to be able to appoint the new commissioner before the end of next week.
"We will ensure that Wiluna residents are not disadvantaged by any disruption of shire functions," he said.
"With more than half the councillors gone, the council did not have sufficient members to legally make decisions.
"I expect that the new commissioner will visit Wiluna on two or three days each month to hold council meetings, deal with council business and ensure the shire is operating properly."
Mr Stephens said he was disappointed at the resignations, but had asked the Department of Local Government and Regional Development to work with the remaining councillors and the shire administration to ensure that local government functions continued until new elections could be held.
Minister's office: 9213 6500