MERGER UPDATE

The advertising period for the calling of a poll closed on Thursday 17 April 2008.  There was no petition presented therefore there will be no poll.  The Minister for Local Government, Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich, has written to both Councils advising that she has accepted the recommendation of the Local Government Advisory Board to amalgamate the Shires of Broomehill and Tambellup. The next step now is for the Governors Order to be gazetted and published in the Government Gazette.  The Governors Order sets the date (1 July 2008) for the dissolution of the existing Councils and creation of the new one.  It also includes details about who the commissioner/s will be, the date of the election for the new Council, the number of Councillors and how the President will be elected. 

The new local authority (subject to the Governors Order) will commence on 01 July 2008.  Prior to and after 01 July 2008, the Administration staff has a number of tasks that need to be undertaken.  To assist in this Mr Ron Back has been appointed as project manager for the merger. Ron has had a long career in local government including time as the Treasurer of the City of Perth.  Ron runs a local government consulting business and works very closely with a large number of local authorities.  Ron will be down visiting Broomehill and Tambellup in early May.

Both Councils have also been successful in a joint application to the Connecting Local Governments program for funds to assist with the amalgamation.  A total of $433,000 has been granted with $139,500 being made available immediately and the balance after 01 July 2008.  These funds will ensure that the amalgamation process has not created a financial burden for the Broomehill and Tambellup communities.

For further information please contact the CEO, Joanne Trezona.