Frequently asked questions about amalgamation
What are some of the benefits Amalgamation will bring?
A more diverse range of services will be opened up to a larger community. One example of this already being pursued is a Family Day Care Centre in Mullewa.
With the City of Greater Geraldton’s combined workforce, the entire District will benefit from being able to tap into a much larger pool of experienced, technical resources that only a large organisation can provide.
The best practices in the Shire of Mullewa and the best practices in the City of Geraldton-Greenough shall be implemented over time for the City of Greater Geraldton to ensure the best service possible is provided to our Community right across the District.
The City of Greater Geraldton will have greater ability than two separate local authorities to attract state and federal funding to go towards improving our regional services and facilities including important community programs such as the 2029 and Beyond Project, Family Day Care and Mullewa and Geraldton’s Men’s Sheds.
Similar programs such as the libraries, youth and senior services shall be strengthened and benefit from additional resources and support.
District wide tourism shall be supported and promoted from Mullewa and Geraldton locations which will benefit our local economy.
The City of Greater Geraldton will be a truly “mine-gate and farm-gate to port” District.
The City of Greater Geraldton will have improved support and development for all our Aboriginal communities.
I live in Mullewa. Does this mean that our rate money will be spent in Geraldton or will it come back to us in the form of services?
Amalgamation will ensure increased services for Mullewa. Mullewa will have the full benefit of additional plant equipment to maintain roads and other infrastructure and each community will maintain independent parks and roads crews, while being able to access each other’s specialist staff and resources.
Amalgamation will ensure a stronger voice when dealing with state and federal governments ensuring even better services and facilities for our District, clearly bringing benefits to both communities.
The State Government will continue to fund Geraldton-Greenough and Mullewa’s Financial Assistance Grants as if they were separate councils for the next five years; this means more money. The reform will allow greater integration of key resources and projects.
Mullewa will only have 2 Councillors in the new Council of the City of Greater Geraldton. How will Mullewa’s voice be heard?
The former Shire of Mullewa becomes a ward of the City of Greater Geraldton in its own right, with 2 Councillors. The former City of Geraldton-Greenough will retain its six wards. Every ward within the City of Greater Geraldton will be represented by 2 Councillors. Mullewa will retain a District Office with former CEO Tom Hartman as District Office Manager. A popularly elected Mayor will be voted by all electors of the District. Mullewa will be establishing a Community Representative Group which will be made up of local people to help Councillors keep in touch with the community, allowing the community’s voice to be heard.
If jobs are lost as a result of amalgamation will this mean that we will need to wait in line for the services we now take for granted?
There are no job losses as a result of amalgamation. As we move into the future, the region is experiencing significant population growth of 2-3 per cent per annum and that may ultimately see the need for staff variations to reflect increased demands and level of service.
Mullewa will lose its identity. Good things in Mullewa like the Moorhead Centre and the Men’s Shed could be lost. What will happen then?
Mullewa’s identity will not only be retained under the City of Greater Geraldton – it will grow and prosper. Community initiatives and programs currently operating such as the Moorhead Centre and Men’s Shed will be enhanced. Signage around the town will retain the familiar “Mullewa” logo and branding
How will the new City of Greater Geraldton manage all the extra roads?
The State Government has given the City of Greater Geraldton $135,000 for Asset and Strategic Management Plans to ensure plans are in place to look after all our assets, including roads. The City is recognised as a leader in asset management. This leading asset management system has been updated to include all roads and other assets in the District.
In terms of funding, when the City of Geraldton and Shire of Greenough amalgamated in 2007, contrary to other expectations, expenditure on rural roads and drainage construction and maintenance increased. This increase in funding is anticipated for the City of Greater Geraldton with the same work teams in Mullewa and Geraldton involved in road maintenance and grading.
Can the City of Greater Geraldton guarantee that facilities like hospitals and schools will not be downgraded?
The State Government is responsible for the provision of health, education and law and order services. Local Government however, can play a part in lobbying or maintaining pressure on Governments to maintain services. As part of a larger local government, the City of Greater Geraldton will be in a stronger position to argue and support the retention of all important services in all of our communities across the District.
