Victorian Local Government Minister Natalie Hutchins has announced that the establishment of the Sunbury Council will be delayed by 12 months.
Hume Mayor Councillor Adem Atmaca said the announcement provided the opportunity for more time to undertake the significant transition.
“While many believe Hume and Sunbury are better together, Council has both acknowledged and respected the community’s say and vote for Sunbury to separate to form its own Council, but not to the disadvantage of our community.
“We will continue to advocate for key changes to be made to the previous government’s Order-in-Council, which if allowed to proceed in its current form, will have a significant impact on the community and greatly affect a wide range of Council programs, services and projects.
“We want a fair and balanced outcome for our community.”
Hume Chief Executive Domenic Isola said he would seek further clarification from the Victorian Government to understand the details of the decision and what it meant for Council staff and the community, and he would continue to advocate for the project to be treated with high priority.
He also said he would also seek an urgent meeting with newly-appointed Transition Auditors, Frank Vincent and John Watson, for an understanding of the terms of reference they would work to.
“We have held serious concerns about the process undertaken by the previous government, including timeframes imposed, the process of asset distribution, the obligations and costs imposed on the community and the significant impact to staff.
“Council understands the new government needed to take its time to reach this decision as the implications of establishing a new Council are far reaching and we are appreciative that we now have a more reasonable deadline to work to.
“However, I urge the Victorian Government to treat this complicated and difficult process as a significant priority as we have operated in a period of speculation and uncertainty for more than two years and it’s important that the issues we have raised are resolved in a timely manner.”
