Two Tasmanian councils, Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard, have entered into a new five year resource sharing agreement to take effect when the current agreement expires in December.
Waratah-Wynyard Mayor, Robby Walsh, is pleased the councils have agreed to continue working together.
“Both councils have seen the benefits to each community from working together to strengthen the services provided.”
The Mayor said resource sharing was saving $573,425 per year through the utilisation of shared staff.
“As at 1 May 2018, there are 17 shared employees, with the majority a 50/50 split.”
This year will mark 10 years since the first resource sharing agreement was reached between the two councils. A review completed in November 2016 by the University of Technology Sydney highlighted the advantages of the resource sharing arrangement to each community.
Circular Head Mayor Daryl Quilliam is pleased that the agreement received unanimous support at each council.
“It is satisfying that we can continue to build on the 10 years of working together and commit for a further five years.”
Mayor Quilliam said the two councils continue to pursue strategic tasks and projects simultaneously.
“The 2016 study found that over the study period savings of $237,800 in shared procurement and $184,388 joint projects were made, so we are keen to continue to realise these sort of benefits through working together.”
Whilst the new resource sharing agreement sets out the intent and purpose of the arrangement, the implementation of the agreement is the responsibility of the respective General Managers.
Ongoing discussion will continue surrounding the operational details of resource shared employees, strategic direction and potential to maximise the benefit of this arrangement.
