Shire asserts its interest

The Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley has decided to reassert its interest in the Ord River Waterways Management Group.

Council, at its last meeting, voted to continue support for the group and offer to undertake the position of chairperson for the group as well as offering administrative support.

The move follows discontent amongst councillors over the perceived 'slipping away' from the Shire of the organisation.

At a recent meeting, the Shire's representative on the group complained that he had not been furnished with details of meetings or even meeting dates.

Group members countered that the Shire rarely had the same representative at two consecutive meetings.

The regional manager of one government instrumentality, represented on the group, told the Kimberley Echo that there was no need for the Shire to be involved.

Councillors have expressed the opinion that this is far from the case and in fact the Shire should be 'driving' the group.

The group consists of representatives from CALM, DOLA, Water Corporation, Kimberley Land Council, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Waters and Rivers Commission, Department of Transport, Fisheries WA, Ord Land and Water and the Shire.

Its purpose is to bring the various authorities together and cut some of the 'red tape' in dealing with issues concerning waterways and surrounding land.

It is seen as becoming a 'one-stop shop for information and advice for prospective waterways developers.