Clarence City Council in Tasmania has adopted a series of strict principles to guide its consideration of possible voluntary amalgamation or resource sharing with an adjoining council or councils.
This follows a request by the Tasmanian Minister for Local Government Peter Gutwein, for Clarence City Council to explore voluntary amalgamations and or shared services.
Clarence Mayor, Alderman Doug Chipman said Council would be advising the Minister that it would explore such options with Hobart City Council and Sorell Council, which have expressed similar interests.
“Clarence City Council has adopted a number of principles which underpin the consideration of amalgamation and or resource sharing, with the first being that the interests of ratepayers and residents must come first.
“In addition, any amalgamation must offer measurable and demonstrable benefits to ratepayers and residents, show efficiency gains that are actually achievable and ensure fair representation in the form of one vote, one value, being preserved.
“Council is keen to plot our own course and ensure that any decisions made are not forced on Council by the State Government.
“Other advantages sought would be to create a stronger voice for ratepayers with other levels of government, as well as a sustainable financial position and greater leveraging capacity as a city.”
Mayor Chipman said in the first instance Council will seek discussions with Hobart and Sorell Councils separately, and that Council will not entertain any proposal that would result in a split of the Clarence Municipality.
“In relation to possible discussions with Hobart Council, such options would give consideration to a ‘Greater Metropolitan Hobart Council’ and may also include Glenorchy Council.
“Should discussions with Sorell Council proceed, such an option would give consideration to a ‘Greater South East Council’ and may include Tasman and possibly Glamorgan/Spring Bay Councils.”
Mayor Chipman said any decision to progress discussions with neighbouring Councils will be subject to their agreement, as well as a request to the State Government for funding to undertake a feasibility study, if agreed to by invited Councils.
