COMMONSENSE has prevailed in the State Government’s council reforms, says Mayor Geoff Kettle.
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Goulburn Mulwaree was left alone, its current borders intact, in yesterday’s announcement by Premier Mike Baird and Local Government Minister Paul Toole.
Not so for Palerang Shire, which has been merged wholly with Queanbeyan City Council in the wash-up.
Former Palerang Mayor Pete Harrison, who was effectively sacked yesterday, described it as a “stupid and disappointing” decision. (See separate story).
To be known as Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, it was one of 19 new local government areas created in what Mr Baird described the “most comprehensive reforms in 100 years.”
Administrators and interim general managers will be appointed for each merged council until elections on September 9, 2017. They will receive up to $10 million to meet the costs of merging and up to an additional $15m for new investment in community infrastructure
But Cr Kettle was rejoicing at the Goulburn Mulwaree announcement.
“It was the only decision that could have ensued from our submission on the proposal that was put forward,” he said.
“It gives us certainty to continue to serve our region.”
Goulburn MP Pru Goward has also described it as a “wonderful outcome” and partly the result of her lobbying efforts. (See separate story).
Minister Toole’s office contacted Cr Kettle yesterday about the decision.
The State Government had proposed Goulburn Mulwaree merge with part Palerang. It was to take in Braidwood, Oallen, Nerriga and other areas but split Araluen and Majors Creek in two.
Goulburn Mulwaree and residents argued strongly against the plan, the former saying it failed to deliver financial benefits, would have increased infrastructure backlog and created inefficiencies in management of staff and employee costs.
“It was a commonsense decision and obviously the delegate appointed to examine the proposal realised this from the submission we did,” Cr Kettle said.
Residents also made their feelings clear in a Goulburn public hearing hosted by delegate, John Rayner.
In his report, Mr Rayner recommended the merger not proceed. His reasons were:
* The proposal would not improve the financial capacity of an enlarged Council;
* It would lead to an estimated $3.8m annual financial deficit;
* The provisions of Section 218CA of the Local Government Act would constrain the new Council’s staffing arrangements and service capability;
* The proposed boundary would have split 72 properties, as well as Majors Creek and the Araluen Valley;
* A new Council would have had difficulty in meeting service levels and would have little capacity to equalise services due to the anticipated financial deficit; and
* The proposed expanded Goulburn Mulwaree Council would have difficulty meeting the financial sustainability criteria necessary to become Fit for the Future.
The council was still awaiting clarification yesterday on when elections would be held.
The Minister previously said councils that were the subject of amalgamation proposals, whether they went ahead or not, would host elections in March, 2017.
But with Goulburn Mulwaree now left alone, Cr Kettle says the poll should be held this September, in line with other councils.
In the meantime, he says the council is still willing to work with the State on reforms.
“I’ve always supported the State Government’s attempts at reform because they’re overdue and many councils won’t survive,” Cr Kettle said.
“I am still waiting on the official document but I’m unclear on whether we stand alone and continue or enter into discussions with neighbouring councils in future because I don’t think Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley can continue alone.”
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