For the first time a woman has been elected as President of the peak body representing Local Government in Western Australia.
Shire of East Pilbara President Councillor Lynne Craigie has been elected President of the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) after President Mayor Troy Pickard stepped down to head the national Australian Local Government Association.
Elected at the State Council meeting, Cr Craigie said she was honoured to be elected to the position and was looking forward to advocating on behalf of Western Australian Councils.
“I’m extremely honoured to have been provided the opportunity to work with the Local Government sector as WALGA President.
“Local Government is facing many challenges and we will be seeking to work closely with the State and Commonwealth Governments to address these in a responsible way that keeps the interests of our local communities at the front of mind.”
Cr Craigie has been President of the Shire of East Pilbara for ten years and Councillor since 2003.
Chairperson of the Pilbara Regional Council, Newman Women’s Shelter, Newman Visitors Centre and Newman Senior High School Board, Cr Craigie is also a member of the East Pilbara Independence Support Group.
She is a board member of the Australian Local Government Association, the Pilbara Development Commission, Horizon Power and a past board member of Australia’s North West Tourism Group.
WALGA CEO Ricky Burges congratulated Cr Craigie on her election and thanked outgoing President Mayor Troy Pickard for his contribution over the past five years as WALGA President.
“Mayor Pickard has made an outstanding contribution to the Local Government sector during his time as WALGA President,” Ms Burges said.
“Achievements during his tenure include the Regional Subsidiary Bill currently before Parliament, input into the Building Act 2011, regulations on the Dog Act 2013, advocacy to secure changes to Elected Member remuneration and Code of Conduct, and successful negotiation of a number of funding agreements to benefit Local Government members.
“In addition, he has played a key role in the planning and construction of WALGA’s new building at ONE70: a five star green star building which not only provides a new home for our organisation but also a financial investment for the Local Government sector for years to come.
“We thank Mayor Pickard for his service and look forward to working together with Cr Craigie to further advocate for WA members.”
