Friendship is at risk

The Bunbury City Council is considering cutting its two sister city committees but has been warned the axing would have a detrimental effect on the council’s relationships with Setagaya and Jiaxing.

Setagaya committee member Valda Smith warned the council it ‘‘may as well say goodbye’’ to its sister city friendship if the committee was cut.

‘‘If the committee is disbanded who will have the passion for the relationship and continue our work,’’ Mrs Smith said.

‘‘The council does not have the passion.’’

Bunbury Mayor David Smith said the new policy made no reference to the sporting exchanges between the sister cities.

Mr Smith asked who would become responsible for preparing exchange students before travel, guiding tour groups and hosting Japanese and Chinese visitors.

Chief executive officer Andrew Brien said the council wanted to keep its relationship with the committee members.

Mr Brien said sister cities committees would be reformed as ‘‘working groups’’.

Mrs Smith said she would be saddened if the committees were abandoned by the council and urged councillors to consider the matter seriously.

The council is in the process of reviewing 28 committees which deal with issues ranging from awards and commendation, city promotions to environment and sustainability.

The majority of committees are expected to be disbanded and replaced by policy and reference groups.