Troy Pickard new WALGA president

City of Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard has been elected president of the WA Local Government Association, taking over from Bill Mitchell.

Mr Pickard was elected yesterday evening, and said he was looking forward to representing local government in WA and continuing WALGA's lobbying activity on behalf of sector.

"It's a great honour to have been elected, and I am looking forward to representing WALGA and the Local Governments across this State," he said.

"There are many challenges currently facing Local Government and we will work closely with the State Government to address these and other issues that directly impact our local communities."

Mayor Pickard has been involved in local government since 2001 having served as a councillor and deputy mayor at the City of Stirling and as City of Joondalup Mayor since 2006.

He was elected deputy president of WALGA in 2007, is a current board member of the Australian Local Government Association and was appointed to the Australian Council of Local Government in 2008.

Shire of Wickepin President Cr Steven Martin was elected to replace Mr Pickard as deputy president of WALGA.

WALGA CEO Ricky Burges congratulated both Messrs Pickard Martin on election to their new roles and extended her thanks to outgoing president, Cr Bill Mitchell.

"Cr Mitchell has passionately represented Local Government at State and Federal arenas and has shown a great deal of tenacity and commitment to our cause over the past seven years," Ms Burges said.

"Key achievements during his time as President include successful campaigns in 2005 and 2006 to increase funding for libraries and to first delay then eventually reverse the introduction of proportional preferential voting in Local Government elections.

"Perhaps most significant given the sector's current focus, Cr Mitchell demonstrated enormous leadership and vision in championing the issue of Local Government reform, and the research and consultation involved in the Systemic Sustainability Study.

"His contribution to the sector has been outstanding and it is with heartfelt thanks we farewell a faithful servant to Local Government."