City of Swan chief executive Mike Foley and Mayor Charlie Zannino meet with Shire of Mundaring CEO Jonathan Throssell and Shire President Helen Dullard.
Camera IconCity of Swan chief executive Mike Foley and Mayor Charlie Zannino meet with Shire of Mundaring CEO Jonathan Throssell and Shire President Helen Dullard. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Councils work on merger

Sophie Gabrielle, Hills GazetteHills Avon Valley Gazette

Both local governments were disappointment when the State Government did not adopt their individual reform submissions.

But shire president Helen Dullard said working together would ensure both councils retained some control over the amalgamation process.

‘The shire and city will be equal partners in this journey, with a shared aim of ensuring any changes are in the best interest of both communities,’ Cr Dullard said. ‘We will work hard to identify new opportunities, build fair and accessible representation, as well as equitable service provision.’

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Swan Mayor Charlie Zannino said local governments needed to be proactive during the amalgamation process.

‘This is an opportunity for the City of Swan and the Shire of Mundaring to exercise control over our futures,’ he said

‘There is a wealth of experience in local government matters held by elected members and staff at both organisations and we intend to draw on this when drafting our submission.’

Shire of Mundaring chief executive Jonathan Thros-sell said residents might question why a proposal would be prepared when the State Government’s plan went against preferred reform models.

But Mr Throssell said instead of dwelling on what might have been, the councils needed to focus on how they could make the amalgamation work for the community.

Swan chief executive Mike Foley said it would continue to be business as usual for both local governments, while a local implementation committee worked on the reform process.

‘There is a lot of work that will need to be done to plan for and deliver the new local government organisation,’ he said.

‘This will include creating a new structure, workforce planning, integrating information technology systems, reviewing contracts and leases, as well as the integration of payroll and record keeping systems.’

More amalgamation

reports, page 14