The West Australian Government has finally released details of planned council mergers, but the Local Government Association says it is just the start.

Local Government Minister Tony Simpson announced this week that the number of metropolitan councils could be reduced from 30 to 15 from July 1, 2015.

The WA Local Government Association acknowledged that while the announcement was a milestone, the process of reform had just begun.

“Today’s announcement takes the number of metropolitan Councils from 30 to 21, and eventually to 16 when the City of Perth Act is passed and the City of Riversea established,” WALGA President Mayor Troy Pickard said.

“This is in line with the Association’s established position of supporting reform and a restructure of 15 to 20 Councils. While we are pleased the State Government has met this expectation, we are acutely aware that more work needs to be done.

But Mayor Pickard added that the State Government now needs to urgently address the issue of funding.

“It is well documented and broadly acknowledged that the State Budget did not provide sufficient funding for metropolitan reform,” he said.

“The Association estimates the true cost of reform to be around $100 million, far in excess of the Government’s current inadequate funding offer of $5 million each year for three years and $45 million in loans.

“The Premier this morning called for Local Governments to get behind the process. The State Government now needs to get behind the process with adequate funding.

“Within such a tight timeframe, inadequate funding by the State has the potential to derail the process.”

Mayor Pickard said local communities would be disadvantaged by any funding shortfall.

“Local communities will ultimately pay the price of inadequate State Government funding through increased rates, reduced services or the sale of community assets, a cost they should not bear,” Mayor Pickard said.