SOUTHLAND's four councils are one step closer to a shared Civil Defence organisation for the region after agreement this week by Southland’s political leaders, says Invercargill Mayor and Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chairman Tim Shadbolt.
He said a shared Civil Defence organisation would lead to greater efficiencies, better use of resources and more services than are currently provided by the four councils acting individually.
Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council, Southland District Council and Environment Southland, in June this year, commissioned a Civil Defence review as part of the combined council group that looks at sharing services between councils.
The review concluded that a shared organisation should be formed, located at Environment Southland and jointly controlled by the four councils.
Mr Shadbolt said benefits would include:
* Civil Defence would be better able to cope in an emergency; | | * Planning integration;
* Increased backup for key roles;
* Higher specialisation of staff;
* Less duplication of resources;
* Improved financial accountability, and
* Increased transparency and performance accountability.
“The proposal will go to all four councils for their approval before Christmas and it is hoped that the new organisation will be up and running before April 1, 2010,” Mr Shadbolt said.
Southland District Mayor Frana Cardno said: “I am delighted – Southland councils have proven again how we can work together and achieve the best result for Southlanders."
Environment Southland Chairman Stuart Collie said the restructured joint Civil Defence organisation was the only logical way to proceed.
Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks noted: “It is a concept that makes sense. The time is right."
* Full media release |
