WA Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich has accepted the Western Australian Local Government Advisory Board’s recommendation to amalgamate the two shires.

In May 2007, the Advisory Board received a joint proposal from the Shires of Broomehill and Tambellup to amalgamate the two districts and form a new local government.

The Advisory Board publicly advertised its recommendation in late March 2008, requesting that any petition for a referendum on the proposal be lodged by April 17. No petition was received during this period.

Ms Ravlich commended both shires for their commitment to achieving a more sustainable local government.

“This amalgamation will deliver many economic and social benefits by ensuring more efficient delivery of services to the Broomehill-Tambellup community,” she said.

“While the State Government remains committed to no forced amalgamations, it will continue to support local governments that work collaboratively towards structural reform.”

The new shire will begin operating on July 1, 2008.