He will start in February 2010.

Originally from Perth, Mr Mitchell has been working with Wheatbelt and regional shires for many years.

“I have been involved with local government since 1981 and I’m currently the chief executive officer at the shire of Yalgoo, where I’ve been working for two and a half years,” he said.

“Previously I was the CEO at Pingelly and in 2004 I started working for Great Eastern Country Zone and the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils, doing relief and consulting work for local government.

“So the Wheatbelt is an area that I’ve got a reasonable amount of familiarity with, and I know some of the councilors there and I know a lot of surrounding CEOs.”

Mr Mitchell’s wife, four children and three grandchildren live in Perth and he said he looked forward to their frequent visits to Trayning.

He said the issue of structural reform would be a challenge for the future of Trayning.

“Yalgoo’s response to structural reform was an emphatic ‘no’,” he said.

“Trayning council is strongly opposed to it as well, and that sits comfortably with me.

“I don’t believe that there are the benefits that are claimed to amalgamation.”

Mr Mitchell replaces outgoing chief executive officer Darren Mollenyoux who is moving on to become the deputy chief executive officer at Bruce Rock Shire.