Agreement on the rights and obligations of Indigenous communities and Local Governments in Greenough and Geraldton has taken a leap forward with the release of a draft memorandum of understanding. The document was open for public comment until 6 May.
A meeting of the committee responsible for formulating the MoU, the Geraldton Greenough Local Government Indigenous Memorandum of Understanding Committee, met on May 8 to consider feedback. A final draft will be presented to both the Shire of Greenough and City of Geraldton for consideration at their June meetings.
Committee Chairman and City of Geraldton Councillor, Chris Gabelish, said the group had taken nearly three years to arrive at a document that adequately represented the views of all stakeholders.
“It is with a mixture of relief and great satisfaction that we, as a committee, can release this document for public comment,” Councillor Gabelish said. “We look around and see some major infrastructure developments happening on our doorsteps.
“While we all welcome them as a boost for the City, I think it is just as crucial that we are make progress on social issues at the same time, with the aim of creating a more harmonious community. This document is designed to provide a framework for Local Government and the Aboriginal communities to move forward together.”
The draft MoU was posted to interested groups. A copy is also available in Geraldton Regional Library and on Council’s web site at www.geraldton.wa.gov.au
