Amalgamation talks should be on the table during the local government elections, the West Tamar branch of the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association say.
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The branch contacted about 80 per cent of candidates running for election in the City of Launceston, West Tamar and George Town councils to get their thoughts on amalgamation.
Candidates were asked if they supported the concept of council amalgamations in the Tamar area, and if they supported an independently chaired community forum to discuss council efficiencies, including possible amalgamation models, in their municipal area within the first six months of term.
Branch chairman Ben Hooper said the survey showed “strong support” from candidates for both amalgamation and community consultation.
“Everyone who responded, responded really quickly and gave us some good replies. They varied from simply yes or no to some quite detailed responses,” he said.
“From the responses it was about 65 per cent in favour of both the questions.”
Mr Hooper said the farmers who make up the Tamar branch were disappointed the community did not get to have their say on the proposed merger between West Tamar and George Town councils.
“We don’t really have a view as such, we just want to have the conversation. We really think the community should have the debate, which we were looking forward to having during that community consultation,” he said.
“When that fell over we were disappointed and we thought well now there is a local government election let’s see what the candidates think because they’re obviously engaged in local government.”
He said the conversation would have “real value”.
“Although the [state] government is very clear on not forcing amalgamations, eventually if they want to see a reform, and reform isn’t happening, someone is going to step in and do something,” he said.
“We’re lobbying hard to make sure we’re involved in the conversation. If everyone said ‘we like it this way and we don’t need to change’ then that’s all good.”
Mr Hooper said the branch would contact all candidates again after the election to follow up.
Merger talks between West Tamar and George Town councils stalled after George Town Council voted eight to one not to move to community consultation earlier this year.
West Tamar Council unanimously voted to have community consultation.
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Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
Journalist at The Examiner Newspaper
