Tamar Valley Council community consultation a 'missed opportunity'

On Thursday, George Town and West Tamar councils announced they would not be continuing with community consultation for the merger after George Town Council voted the motion down seven to one. 

“It is disappointing that George Town Council have chosen not to consult with its community and end the process,” Mr Gutwein said. 

“However, this is a matter for the two councils.

“The government’s very clear position has always been that for resource sharing or voluntary amalgamation to work, it must be driven by local communities and their councils.”

Mr Gutwein said the government would still not be forcing any amalgamations, despite a KPMG report saying the merger would be beneficial for both communities. 

George Town Chamber of Commerce president Andrew Michieletto said not continuing with community consultation was a “missed opportunity”. 

"Releasing the feasibility study after they have already made a decision is like shutting the gate after the horse has bolted,” he said.

"As representatives of the business community, we would liked to have at least some consultation, so we could weigh up the positives and negatives.”

In a Fairfax Media poll, more than 430 people voted on whether the two councils should merge. 

More than 73 per cent believed the two councils should amalgamate. 

The merger talks started more than 12 months ago.