Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

Kimberley shires to work more closely

Local government minister John Castrilli signed an agreement with the four shires to form a “regional collaborative group”.

While the shires are not intending to amalgamate, Mr Castrilli said they have agreed to work more closely together by sharing resources and planning as a region.

You can read his statement here:

Minister for Local Government

2/9/10                                                                                               Media Statement

Kimberley shires sign collaborative agreement.

Local Government Minister John Castrilli has congratulated the Kimberley’s four local governments for engaging in the State Government’s reform program.

The shires of Broome, Derby-West Kimberley, Halls Creek and Wyndham-East Kimberley have agreed to form a Regional Collaborative Group.

Mr Castrilli said the decision by the Kimberley shires was a very positive step in securing the long-term future of these communities.

“The Regional Collaborative Group reform option was available to 28 local governments in remote regional areas where amalgamation was not a priority; however, there were benefits to be achieved from local governments working more closely,” he said.

“I am very pleased to say that 23 of those entities have either accepted the opportunity and signed agreements or are in the process of doing so.”

The Minister said the Kimberley shires had identified many benefits from utilising this model, especially to address population and town centre growth in response to mining and tourism activity.

“A diverse regional economy and one of the fastest population growth rates in Western Australia means both opportunities and challenges for the Kimberley region,” he said.

“Demographic change is a key impetus for reform and forming a Regional Collaborative Group enables a more regional approach, allowing local governments to maximise the benefits to their communities and the region.

“Reform presents these local governments with the opportunity to plan for the changes and to ensure that they are in the best position possible to deliver services to their communities in the future.”

The State Government will fund the preparation of a plan that investigates more fully the costs and mutual benefits of a formalised, regional approach to service delivery.

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