City of Joondalup Mayor
Troy Pickard has been elected President of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) after the outgoing President Councillor Bill Mitchell stood
down from the role.
Elected on 7 April at WALGA’s State Council meeting, Mayor Pickard said he was looking forward to representing Local Government in Western Australia and continuing WALGA’s lobbying activity on behalf of the sector.
“There are many challenges currently facing Local Government and we will work closely with the State Government to address these and other issues that directly impact our local communities,” he said.
Mayor Pickard has been involved in Local Government since 2001, having served as a Councillor and Deputy Mayor at the City of Stirling, and as Mayor of the City of Joondalup since 2006.
He was elected Deputy President of WALGA in 2007, is a current board member of the Australian Local Government Association and was appointed to the Australian Council of Local Government in 2008.
Shire of Wickepin President Councillor Steven Martin was elected to replace Mayor Pickard as Deputy President of WALGA.
WALGA CEO Ricky Burges congratulated both Mayor Pickard and Councillor Martin on election to their new roles and extended her thanks to outgoing President Councillor Bill Mitchell.
“Councillor Mitchell has passionately represented Local Government at State and Federal arenas and has shown a great deal of tenacity and commitment to our cause over the past seven years,” Ricky Burges said.
“Key achievements during his time as President include successful campaigns in 2005 and 2006 to increase funding for libraries, and to first delay then eventually reverse the introduction of proportional preferential voting in Local Government elections.
“Perhaps most significant given the sector’s current focus, Councillor Mitchell demonstrated enormous leadership and vision in championing the issue of Local Government reform, and the research and consultation involved in the Systemic Sustainability Study.
“His contribution to the sector has been outstanding and it is with heartfelt thanks we farewell a faithful servant to Local Government.”
