Demerger Consideration
Following the decision made on 24 August 2022 by the Minister for Local Government, Wendy Tuckerman to demerge Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council, SVC voted to to also explore options for a demerger - into the former areas of Tumut and Tumbarumba - and follow the process set out in section 218CC of the Local Government Act.
Business Case Preparation
At the November 2022 Council Meeting SVC voted to appoint the University of Newcastle to prepare an independent and peer reviewed business case capable of being submitted to the Minister for Local Government for de-merging SVC and council agreed to allocate $100,000 to the project.
The business case, including an independent financial review, will be reported back to Council for consideration in the first half of 2023.
Community Engagement
The first step in engaging with the community during the development of this report will take place in mid-February 2023, with representatives of key stakeholder groups, Councillors and Council staff meeting with the independent author of the report.
Professor Joseph Drew, from Newcastle University will be holding meetings to collect as much information, feedback and individual views on advantages and disadvantages of amalgamation from these groups.
View the video below to hear Professor Joseph Drew introduce himself, describe his approach to developing the report and his visit to the Snowy Valleys in February.