It is believed discussions are continuing this week around the formation of a single council for the Tamar Valley.
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It has been just over a year since the West Tamar and George Town councils announced they were exploring the potential of amalgamating.
On a windy day in the Tamar, the respective mayors Christina Holmdahl and Bridget Archer announced they would be seeking a feasibility study for the joining of the councils.
This week, the councils will hold closed sessions to continue these discussions, after receiving a draft report of the study last week. The meetings will be separate, but West Tamar general manager Rolph Vos said both councils would work together towards the outcome, whatever that may be.
The cries of “Tasmania is over-governed” and “amalgamate now” have been echoing around the state for decades.
The past couple of years has seen more momentum in the amalgamation push. Even Hawthorn boss Jeff Kennett commented on the topic, when he visited Launceston on Friday.
He said he had always believed that Tasmania was over-governed, and the state would be better off with less councils and without an upper house. Of course, Mr Kennett has never been one to do things by halves.
Our 29 councils were the result of how we begun. With towns and regions so isolated, and so varied, it made sense for each to have their own governance. What was once a full day’s travel in a horse and cart is now a half-hour drive.
Tasmania still has a very isolated internal view of itself. We sigh, exhausted at the mere thought of a daily commute from Devonport to Launceston.
That distance and time is commonplace in other places around Australia. But we don’t live in Tasmania to be stuck in a car for two hours a day.
We love our 15-minute commutes, our tight-knit communities, and our wide open spaces. But sometimes it feesl like there is something that still separates us from each other.
Amalgamation talks are not going to die down. For the North, George Town and West Tamar may provide the stepping stone for other councils to follow.
There will be a lot of emotion, and a lot of diverse, passionate views aired as we move forward. Change is never easy, but sometimes, it is necessary.
