He will start his post on January 5, 2010.

Mr Powell, originally from Geraldton, is currently the CEO at the Wandering Shire and has many years experience in local government both in Western Australia and interstate.

“I have been involved with local government for about 30 years and have held senior positions since the early 80s, including in WA, Queensland, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands,” Mr Powell said.

He said he was drawn to Merredin by the opportunities it presented as a growing regional centre and was looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“Merredin certainly is a regional centre that is growing and provides some challenges to a local government professional of any persuasion,” he said.

“Local government faces some challenges in the near future, with the State Government’s reform program, and having been through it to a degree in Queensland, I would hope to bring some experience to the Merredin area.

“In Queensland they involuntarily reduced the number of councils from 156 down to 73 a couple of years ago and it was a difficult process.

“So although the die is not cast yet on what local government in WA will look like, it will be an interesting period of time.

“We will all need to work together to ensure that nobody is disadvantaged, and the community is continued to be served in the best way that meets their needs.”

He said he saw great potential in Merredin for the future.

“I think Merredin is probably a little different from the rest of the Wheatbelt, in that it is a little bit more diversified, and certainly it has some opportunities for further diversification, particularly when you look at the wind farm development.

“I have noted that Merredin’s position in itself is fairly well in the tourism area and there’s certainly some opportunities there in the longer term.

“I think Merredin can continue to consolidate itself as a regional centre, particularly when you look at the likes of education and other services.”