16/03/2009 Study To Meet State Government Deadline On Council Amalgamations

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council is launching a feasibility study for providing more shared services to its six member Councils ' a timely action given the State Government's recent policy for the amalgamations of local governments.
The Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan want to look at the capacity for providing additional services where synergies may exist.

The timing is ideal given the policy announced by Local Government Minister John Castrilli in February that set a six-month deadline on local authorities reporting their intentions back to the State Government regarding amalgamations.

Chairman Cr David Fardig told the EMRC's 25th anniversary dinner at Government House on Saturday that the study would look at the best model to deliver the maximum value through increased efficiency; economies of scale; improved processes; and reduced expenses.

'Now more than ever is the time for working together, thinking strategically and investing in the future ' pulling back because of the current tough global economic situation would be short-term thinking," EMRC Chairman Fardig said.

"We need to make sure we consult, plan and build our relationships so we can keep delivering real change and real benefits for the Region - as we have done for the past 25 years."

Chairman Fardig said the EMRC has been working with the Federal and State Governments on urgently needed spending commitments to address serious road issues across the Eastern Region.

The EMRC's Regional Integrated Transport Strategy has identified 31 strategic initiatives and 12 priority road projects. Key areas awaiting government funding decisions included:

• The Rudd Government's announcement expected in April on national infrastructure spending, including the EMRC's push for the road networks around Perth Airport to be listed as one of the highest priorities.
• Confirmation of the WA Government's commitments for the completion of works from Kooyong Road, Rivervale to Roe Highway.
• Upgrades to Great Eastern Highway, Reid and Tonkin Highways and Gnangara Road.

He said the recent announcement that Great Eastern Highway had been included in the National Land Transport Network meant Federal funding could now flow to address serious traffic congestion and safety issues on the crucial regional artery.

The commemorative dinner was also told the EMRC is currently preparing an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for its planned Resource Recovery project.

The $50-to-$100 million investment in a state-of-the-art facility to recover, recycle and reuse waste will be the biggest capital commitment in the EMRC's 25 year history.

Chairman Fardig said milestone decisions would include the selection of the technology, the ownership model and the location for the facility.

He said in January, the EMRC had been invited to make a submission to the WA Parliamentary Committee for Environment and Public Affairs into Waste Management. The EMRC's recommendations included:

• That the State Government invest money from the landfill levy into waste processing infrastructure and encourage the development of alternative waste treatments that divert organic waste from landfill. 
• That the investment in processing infrastructure - particularly for waste subject to the national Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme - could potentially save WA tens of millions per year having to be paid to Canberra.
• That a 'Centre of Excellence for Waste Management' be established.

"From small beginnings the EMRC has grown to become a large collective force," Chairman Fardig said.

The strength we have developed over 25 years means we are in good shape to the face the next five years and the huge challenges and opportunities ahead.

"We must continue to work collaboratively in key areas like waste management and transport infrastructure."

The event at Government House was attended by guests including Hon. John Day, Minister for Planning and Member for Kalamunda who made an address representing the Premier.

Local Government Minister John Castrilli also attended along with other State Ministers; local Federal and State MPs; regional Mayors and Shire Presidents; Councillors; and stakeholders of the EMRC from government and private enterprise.