Two local government groups are joining forces to get more women elected in Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (ALGWA Tas) and the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a working framework between both Associations for the ‘WomenCan Campaign’ in upcoming council elections.

The MOU was an initiative of former State ALGWA President Alderman Kay McFarlane.

Alderman Thurley says ALGWA Tas will work with LGAT to expand information sessions for potential Local Government women nominees for Council elections in 2018.

“Women bring a new range of opinions, approaches and solutions to Local Government decision-making,” Alderman Thurley said.

“Local Government requires rigorous decisions based on debate and input from a diverse range of people ensuring that the best decision has been reached for the community.

“Women can, and do, assist in changing the focus of policies and services within Local Government taking account of the changing needs of local communities,” she said.

LGAT President Mayor Doug Chipman expressed the group’s full support for the WomenCan Program.

“Along with my colleagues Aldermen Thurley and McFarlane I strongly encourage women interested in representing their communities to stand for upcoming Local Government elections in October 2018,” he said.