News

Mid West Gets Smart

Working towards making Geraldton a Smart City is the aim of this year’s Mid West Science Summit.

Following on from a successful Mid West Science Summit in 2008 and building on the key projects established from it, the 2009 Mid West Science Summit’s theme is “Capturing a SMART Mid West”.

The summit will be held on Tuesday, November 24 from 8am-2pm at the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre on Durlacher Street.

The Mid West Development Commission is working with the Geraldton Universities Centre, the City of Geraldton-Greenough, Central West TAFE, IBM and Global Composition to host the event.

The City’s Paul Sheriff, Manager of Information Services, will be presenting at the summit, which is expected to bring together some of the brightest minds in the State, including chief scientists and other leading IT practitioners.

Capturing a SMART Mid West will focus on investigating ways to enhance the activities being undertaken by Mid West organisations, businesses and community groups and the advantages to be made from major science and technology projects taking place or proposed in the region.

Program Midwest Science Summit

Contact Mark Canny at the Mid West Development Commission on 9921 0705 to attend or for more information.
19/11/2009 4:19:43 PM

Latest Media Releases

November Media releases:

Thank a Volunteer

Roads Run Through VII

White Ribbons for Safety
19/11/2009 3:38:44 PM

THE NEXT CHAPTER IN REGIONAL REFORM

A new chapter in regional government will be written next week, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Geraldton-Greenough, the Shire of Chapman Valley and the Shire of Mullewa.

The historic MOU will provide the framework for the transition through to the formal amalgamation between the three local government bodies in 2010-11.

Signing of the MOU will take place at the Shire of Chapman Valley offices at Nabawa, on Thursday, November 26 at 11am.

A joint Transitionary Arrangements Management Committee will be set up consisting of two councillors from each government body, and the three CEOs of each council as ex-officio members, negating the need for commissioners.

Current staffing levels and executive management will be maintained through the transitionary period.

Shire of Chapman Valley Chief Executive Officer Dirk Sellenger said the shire is supportive of the proposed amalgamation and believed it is essential that the current Shire of Chapman Valley have influence with regards to the future of the Shire.

“We are supportive of the proposed amalgamation and believe it is essential that the Shire of Chapman Valley have influence with regards to the new Local Government Authority (post amalgamation),” he said.

“To do nothing at this stage challenges the State Government to initiate forced amalgamations which have occurred in other States within Australia.

“Western Australia is the only State or Territory within Australia not to undergo any type of reform, so it could be said that the writing is very much on the wall.
Mr Sellenger said in a forced amalgamation Chapman Valley Shire would have no right of reply or the opportunity for negotiation.

“We would be told this is what you are doing and this is when you are doing it. It leaves no right of reply and no room for negotiations whatsoever,” he said.

“Whilst it is acknowledged the decision to amalgamate may not be popular with all within the Chapman Valley community, the Local Government Industry in Western Australia has been placed in a difficult situation.

Mr Sellenger said Council believed it had made the right decision given the circumstances.

“However, our reform submission is still awaiting review and feedback from the Department of Local Government and Local Government Advisory Board before progressing,” he said.

“It is also important to make clear to the community that this process of reform is not a takeover bid by the City of Geraldton-Greenough as some believe to be the case.

“All parties recognise the importance of a strong working relationship for the benefit of the region’s economy and the wellbeing of the community.”

A Plan for the Future will be set up for the new entity.

Contact: Dirk Sellenger, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Chapman Valley (08) 9920 5011
18/11/2009 2:53:33 PM

Notice of Draft Waggrakine Rural - Residential Structure Plan

Notice is hereby given that the City of Geraldton-Greenough has prepared the abovementioned Structure Plan for the purpose of facilitating rural residential subdivision/development.

The Structure Plan is available for inspection during office hours at the Cathedral Avenue office, Geraldton or by downloading below. For further information please contact the City’s Town Planning Services on (08) 9956 6900.

Draft Waggrakine Rural-Residential Structure Plan

Submissions close on Friday 08 January 2010.

This Structure Plan is available for inspection in order to provide opportunity for public comment and it should not be construed that final approval will be granted.

Anthony Brun
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
13/11/2009 2:59:34 PM

Notice of Proposed Structure Plan Lots 13, 14 & PT 21 Verita Road / Brand Highway, Rudds Gully

Notice is hereby given that the City of Geraldton-Greenough has received the abovementioned Structure Plan for the purpose of facilitating residential and mixed use subdivision/development.

The Structure Plan is available for inspection during office hours at the Cathedral Avenue office, Geraldton or by downloading below. For further information please contact the City’s Town Planning Services on (08) 9956 6900.

Structure Plan

Submissions close on Thursday 24 December 2009.

This Structure Plan is available for inspection in order to provide opportunity for public comment and it should not be construed that final approval will be granted.

Anthony Brun
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
10/11/2009 12:21:12 PM

Changed Access Arrangements for Geraldton Airport

From Wednesday 11th November 2009 there will be a change to the access arrangements into the Geraldton Airport.

The section of Gordon Garrett Drive connecting to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road will be closed.

Access to the Airport and Aero Medical Centre will be via Deepdale Road and the new access road which has been constructed as part of the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor Project.

Please refer to the map below for the new route to the Geraldton Airport.

If you have any queries please contact the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor Project contractor Abigroup on phone 1800 209 192.

Access Arrangements for Geradlton Airport
5/11/2009 9:24:33 AM