At the meeting of WALGA State Council last night, Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard was elected Deputy President after the position became vacant as a result of the recent Local Government elections.

In welcoming Mayor Pickard to the deputy role, WALGA President Cr Bill Mitchell said it was important that the Association had a strong support for its leadership heading into the New Year.

Cr Mitchell said WALGA would be releasing its Systemic Sustainability Study major report early next year which would propose systems and considerations to assist WA Councils best serve their communities.

“The release of the report will be a significant event for Local Government in this State and it will be important for WALGA’s leadership to champion discussion,” Cr Mitchell said.

“Undoubtedly there will be sections of the sector that will not immediately embrace the recommendations and initiatives in the final report and they will want to have debate on their concerns.

“I am confident that Mayor Pickard has the enthusiasm to embrace this challenge and assist Local Government in WA to achieve a future that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.”
    
Mayor Pickard said he appreciated the support of the Association’s State Council in electing him to the position of Deputy President.

“I am looking forward to fulfilling the role of Deputy and providing support and assistance to WALGA President Bill Mitchell and the Association in advocating for the best interests of all Local Governments in Western Australia,” he said.
 
“As part of the leadership team, I hope to further strengthen WALGA's voice as the peak representative body for all Local Governments in WA as we strive to ensure that the vital grassroots sphere in government is not an afterthought but rather part of the front-end of all policies and initiatives that ultimately have an impact on our operations and communities."

Ends