George Town and West Tamar councils will hold closed meetings simultaneously this week to further investigate amalgamating.
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It has been one year since the mayors of both councils announced they would seek a feasibility study into merging to create a Tamar Valley Council.
It is believed the draft report from the KPMG feasibility study was distributed to both councils earlier this month.
West Tamar Council general manager Rolph Vos said the councils were working “hand-in-hand” on the project.
Mr Vos was unable to confirm if the meeting would be about amalgamations, because it is being held in closed council.
However the council agenda, released on Friday afternoon, said the council would discuss the general manager’s report for a Tamar Valley Council feasibility study.
“I have no doubt that once it is known what the meeting is about there will be a keen interest [from the community],” Mr Vos said.
George Town mayor Bridget Archer confirmed her council’s meeting would discuss the report.
Both Mr Vos and Cr Archer said their councils have pledged to work cooperatively on the project, and have coordinated their meetings to be held on Wednesday.
Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein said he welcomed ongoing conversations between the two councils.
“However, any potential amalgamation or resource sharing is a matter for these two councils, as we have been very clear that there will be no forced amalgamations,” Mr Gutwein said.
“We look forward to the outcome of the meetings and stand ready to work constructively with them following these discussions.”
Mr Gutwein said the government supported investigations to deliver the best possible services to the community at the lowest price.
The idea to explore a Tamar Valley Council was first touted in April 2017.
At that time, it was reported the process could take between 18 months and three years.
If it were finished within 18 months of April 2017, it would bring it in line with local government elections, to be held this October.
In May 2017, the councils voted to start a feasibility study through a Memorandum of Understanding.
The KPMG study into a single council was paused while George Town undertook an organisational review in October.
The municipality of George Town has a population of 6802 and West Tamar has a population of 23,202.
Both meetings will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, May 2. West Tamar Council will hold its meeting at the council chambers at Riverside.