Glenorchy City Council has voted against participating in an amalgamation process with the City of Hobart outside of statewide coordinated local government reforms.
Acting Mayor Russell Yaxley said elected members were unanimous in their rejection of the proposal.
“It is important to note that Glenorchy is open to discussions which support structural local government reform done as part of a broad statewide process.
“This proposal was not made as part of broader structural reform, and therefore, Council was not able to support it.”
Ald. Yaxley said while the proposal from Hobart had requested an elector poll be held, it was the view of Glenorchy Council that significant work would be required to ensure ratepayers and residents had the information they would need to vote in such a poll.
“Amalgamations can be a divisive issue. Residents and ratepayers would quite rightly have a lot of questions regarding the impact on rates as well as access to and the delivery of services. Providing those answers would take significant modelling and work.
“At this point, I believe the issue of amalgamation is not being driven by the Glenorchy community, and as such, or until such time as amalgamations are part of formal and funded reforms, then Council is not prepared to take further steps toward amalgamation as outlined in this proposal.
“As the report to Glenorchy Council identified, a comprehensive, State led reform agenda would provide a clearer mandate, stronger evidence base, equitable treatment of communities and greater public confidence.
“It would allow reform to be designed around functional geographies, regional service networks and long-term strategic challenges such as climate adaptation, integrated transport, digital transformation and workforce capability.
“Glenorchy City Council remains open to constructive discussion on reform and reaffirms its commitment to strong regional collaborations that strengthen local government while protecting community confidence, affordability and local identity,” Ald. Yaxley said.