Boundaries Commission Calls for Public Submissions
Published on 25 March 2020
On 25 February 2020 Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock referred to the Commission two elector initiated proposals that would affect boundaries in relation to Snowy Valleys Council and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
In relation to Snowy Valleys Council, the proposal seeks to re-establish the area of the former Tumbarumba Shire local government area. It would reduce the local government area of Snowy Valleys Council so that it corresponds to the area of the former Tumut Shire Council.
In relation to Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, the proposal seeks to re-establish the area of the former Gundagai Shire local government area. It would reduce the local government area of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council so that it corresponds to the area of the former Cootamundra Shire Council.
In effect, these proposals seek to reverse the mergers that were put in place in 2016.
These proposals and the Minister’s letters referring them to the Commission can be viewed here.
The Local Government Boundaries Commission is now calling for public submissions from the local community in relation to demerger proposals for Snowy Valleys Council and Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
The submission process follows the Minister for Local Government formally referring the proposals to the Commission for examination and report. The Commission is an independent statutory authority which examines proposals for changes to local government boundaries and advises the Minister of its findings.
“Under the Local Government Act, the Boundaries Commission is required to consider the views of ratepayers and residents,” Commission chair Bob Sendt said. “I encourage anyone with an interest in this matter to make a written submission which will be taken into consideration by the Commission in the examination and report process.”
While the Local Government Act does not provide a timeframe for the process to be undertaken, the Commission is aware of the need for it to be completed in a reasonable timeframe to provide certainty to councils and residents.
Written submissions should be forwarded to the Local Government Boundaries Commission, Executive Officer, Locked Bag 3015, Nowra NSW 2541 or emailed to [email protected].
Submissions must be lodged by April 24.
The Commission has also published FAQs on its website to inform the local community about the examination and report process.
Click here to read the full Local Government Boundaries Commission's media release