THE Liberals will debate whether the state government should facilitate council mergers, with a branch arguing the North is being hampered by the local government sector .
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The Liberal Party State Council will today debate a motion from the Norwood Branch that urges the government to support and encourage amalgamations between some of Tasmania's 29 local government areas.
The motion says Northern councils have an insufficient ratepayer base to provide and maintain community facilities.
"(It) doesn't make economic sense for major community assets like Launceston Aquatic Centre, Launceston Airport, York Park, Bell Bay port and Silverdome to be administered by different councils," the motion says.
"There is a strong message from ratepayers that there are too many councils in Tasmania."
The government has previously said it will not force councils to merge, but will work co-operatively with those who volunteered.
The council will also debate a motion from the Western Lyons and South Esk branches calling on the government to investigate a way for the state to move to single-member electorates for the House of Assembly.
The motion says the Hare-Clark system is not well understood by voters and was subject to political manipulation.
"Election results have not accurately reflected the wishes of voters," the motion says.
"Therefore, in the interests of fair and accurate voting outcomes the system must be changed."
Liberal Party state director Sam McQuestin said he expected both motions to attract a lively debate.
"It's always been very important to keep in contact and keep abreast of the views of our membership," he told The Examiner.
"We wouldn't be the only party to discuss Hare-Clark - I'd expect Labor to have a chat about it following the election."
The Huon Branch will put forward a motion calling for a statewide referendum on euthanasia, saying the matter is too important to be decided by 25 lower house votes.
The Devonport City Branch, meanwhile, will ask the government to conduct a feasibility study on a freshwater pipeline between Pieman Dam and Victoria and South Australia.
Mr McQuestin said he expected the mood of the state council, the first since the election of the Hodgman government in March, to be celebratory.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be in Launceston to address the council this morning.