The Government is working with councils across the State on how to deliver the best possible local government services at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers.
That included undertaking modelling of various resource sharing and voluntary amalgamation options for 24 of the State’s councils.
Today the report into Greater Hobart Councils, which covers Hobart City Council, Clarence City Council, Glenorchy City Council and the Kingborough Council is being released.
A number of options were modelled, including various voluntary amalgamations and resource sharing.
The results require careful consideration, given that some options produce a net financial cost to councils, but create significant indirect economic benefits to the communities they serve.
For resource sharing or voluntary amalgamation to work, it must be driven by local communities and by the councils themselves. There are too many examples of council reform imposed from on high by State Governments that have failed. We have been clear that we will not be forcing amalgamations.
The Government has also clearly stated that no decision on voluntary amalgamation options involving Glenorchy will be made until the Glenorchy City Council is once again governed by elected representatives.
A decision on progressing consultation with the Glenorchy community will be made once the Board of Inquiry report has been considered.
In the meantime, I encourage the remaining local councils to consider this report in detail and consult widely with their communities.
The Government encourages ratepayers in the Greater Hobart area to look at the report and share their views with their local council.
The report can be assessed here: http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/320861/SGS_Final_Report_Feasibility_Study_Greater_Hobart_300117.pdf
More Media Releases from Peter Gutwein
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