Resource sharing is a way of saving on duplication of plant and equipment which should also equate to fewer employees. Suffice to say for the time being, one step at a time.

Employee costs are a third of each business on average. No great surprise there, except to say these people have to be paid and hence, council rates over the past three years have risen by 19 per cent, against local inflation averaging 7.5 per cent over the same period.

The George Town Council is the latest to signal an interest in more resource and service-sharing with neighbouring councils.

The Northern Midlands, Meander Valley and West Tamar councils have initiated a formalised resource-sharing and service-sharing agreement as an alternative to amalgamation.

The hinterland councils seem wary of invitations from the Launceston City Council to either explore amalgamation or resource sharing. Put it down to petty jealousy of the kingdoms or a fear that Launceston, with an underlying deficit approaching $3 million, wants to spread the ratepayer burden to its smaller cousins.

Whatever the reason, at least there is a conversation. How long it lasts will depend on the leadership shown by the state government. Treasurer and Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein is applying the carrot approach and it is doubtful his colleagues would allow him to add some stick.

They know history and the fate of overly reformist governments. People dislike change. They usually vote down referendums and are wary of any government decision, whether it affects them or not.

Councils know this only too well. They know that once they start opposing the process, it will become another dead, buried and cremated thought bubble.

That's the nature of societal apathy, happily stoked and fanned by the odd scare campaign.