ON going to press, two key forums have just been held in Goulburn and district, discussing more merger options under the oversight of the State-appointed delegate.
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Many in the community are still reeling from the news that a State Government department appears to have wielded undue influence in deciding council boundaries. Goulburn Mulwaree general manager Warwick Bennett is not a man to make statements lightly, so we, along with the community, sit up when he drops a damning one, so heavy with implication.
Not all officials are willing to go on the record as to whether the Department of Premier and Cabinet contacted the Queanbeyan City Council and asked them to provide a "preferred boundary" for a potential merger. That is alleged - by more than one independent witness - to have happened after November 18 last year, when other councils had already lodged their proposals.
The timing is important, especially as no other council - and certainly not one in this district - was given the same chance as Queanbeyan City Council to have a direct bearing on the shape of proposed new councils.
Obviously, Goulburn Mulwaree is not happy with the outcome, and neither is the shire of Palerang, which appears fated to be wiped off the face of the earth.
Queanbeyan - which takes in the bell-wether seat of Monaro in the State electorate - is undoubtedly ahead in the reform process, while Palerang and Goulburn Mulwaree are now playing catch-up.
Palerang and Goulburn Mulwaree are now actively seeking support from Monaro MP John Barilaro and Goulburn MP Pru Goward.
Both local members have given all indications that they are on board, and full steam ahead, despite the likelihood that Mr Barilaro would have seen the Queanbeyan proposal when it went to the December 20 meeting of the Cabinet.
Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle says he is certain the present Palerang carve-up will not be the final boundary.
He and Mr Bennett must now regret their former certainty, in expecting due process from the State; that playing by the rules would lead to a fair result.
Their certainty now, in fighting for a better outcome, cannot be doubted, only cheered on.
Political and/or departmental influence makes a mockery of any government-initiated reform, but the present boundary allocation makes a mockery of how communities are comprised.
It's not too late for the State to listen, to learn, and to legislate it right.
