Shire
Amalgamations
The relaxing of the ‘no opt-out’ clause means that shires which have not reached agreement but may wish to amalgamate can now ‘try before they buy’.
The “no opt-out” agreement had applied to Councils involved in Regional Transition Groups with a view to forming a single new entity by 2013.
Having served as Moora Deputy Shire President for seven years I have a personal understanding of the amalgamation complexity. Whilst I see the value in pooling resources, I do not believe a ‘one size fits all’ approach is ideal in a State of our size and geographical variation.
Amalgamations
The relaxing of the ‘no opt-out’ clause means that shires which have not reached agreement but may wish to amalgamate can now ‘try before they buy’.
The “no opt-out” agreement had applied to Councils involved in Regional Transition Groups with a view to forming a single new entity by 2013.
Having served as Moora Deputy Shire President for seven years I have a personal understanding of the amalgamation complexity. Whilst I see the value in pooling resources, I do not believe a ‘one size fits all’ approach is ideal in a State of our size and geographical variation.
I raised the ‘opt-out’ option with the Minister late last year after a heated meeting in Bruce Rock. As the Minister was receptive to my suggestion, I emailed all the shires in the Agricultural Region inviting them to provide their views.
I received about a dozen responses, all calling for more flexibility.
The new arrangement is for “a staged process to assist in progressing reform at a considered pace, with options for review and negotiation”. I prefer to call it ‘try before you buy’ and I hope it provides at least some of the flexibility these shires requested.
I received about a dozen responses, all calling for more flexibility.
The new arrangement is for “a staged process to assist in progressing reform at a considered pace, with options for review and negotiation”. I prefer to call it ‘try before you buy’ and I hope it provides at least some of the flexibility these shires requested.
Copyright Brian Ellis MLC © 2009 - 2011
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Ph: +61 (08) 9923 9211; Fax: +61 (08) 9923 9222; Email: brian.ellis@mp.wa.gov.au
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