Northam local govts amalgamation OK by Bowler

Local Government Minister John Bowler today announced his support of the recommendation from the Local Government Advisory Board for the Shire and Town of Northam to amalgamate.

Mr Bowler said the State Government had already contributed $125,000 towards a feasibility study and other work and would commit a further $600,000 should a new Shire of Northam be established.

"I welcome this initiative and cooperation shown by these two local governments to embrace the opportunity for structural reform," he said.

"The new shire will lead to a more sustainable local government which can certainly deliver improved and more efficient services to the people of Northam and surrounding areas.

"I congratulate the Shire and Town of Northam councillors who have worked cooperatively to ensure their community is best positioned to grow and prosper.

"The Shire and Town of Northam have joined fellow local governments, the City of Geraldton and Shire of Greenough, to plan a sound future for their respective communities."

The Minister encouraged local governments in planning for the future, to further consider amalgamation options and ways of providing greater efficiencies through resource sharing with neighbouring councils.

The Department of Local Government and Regional Development also provides assistance for collaboration and voluntary amalgamation between local governments through feasibility studies and implementation grants.