Queensland Amalgamation Experiences
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Transcript of Queensland Amalgamation Experiences
QUEENSLAND AMALGAMATIONEXPERIENCES
The Good and the Not So Good
The Good - 1995 166 Councils reduced to 157 All ‘donut’ situations
Gold Coast Warwick Bundaberg Gympie Ipswich Cairns Mackay
Others were also considered (ie Maryborough)
Extensive consultation was involved
The Good – 1995 Aftermath Of those surveyed community members who
expressed an opinion, 75% believed service delivery had improved
Only 7% indicated a desire to revert back to the original boundaries
The Not So Good – 2008
157 Councils reduced to 73
Main apparent basis for action was lack of financial sustainability
Lack of detailed consultation
The Not So Good – 2008 Aftermath
Overt public opposition
Formation of groups such as the QLGRA
De-amalgamation and continuing unrest
Qld Local Government Reform Alliance
“Return to community acceptable natural local government boundaries that reflect locally held beliefs about community and identity and provide local amenity and service”
Taroom Shire Council 1879 - 2008
18,644.5 square kilometres Taroom township (680 people) Council employed approx 75 people The Leichardt Tree
1910
2013
2008 - The Decision Made
Division 1 of Taroom Shire (including the township of Taroom) to be merged with Banana Shire Council
The remainder of Taroom Shire to be amalgamated with Western Downs Regional Council
57 Council staff to Banana, 15 to Western Downs
Banana Shire (centred 198 klms away) didn’t want Taroom
No significant natural barriers between the communities …Local Government Reform Commission
No significant natural barriers between the communities….. Local Government Reform Commission
Banana Shire Council 1879 - 2008
Banana Shire Council Est. 1879
Taroom 2009 - present