Council Advances De-Amalgamation Process Following Key Decisions

Published on 25 May 2026

Snowy Valleys Council has formally endorsed a range of measures to progress the de-amalgamation project following extensive discussion at last Thursday’s Ordinary Council Meeting.

The endorsed actions establish the governance, financial planning and community engagement framework that will guide the next stage of the project as Council works toward a proposed proclamation date of 1 July 2028.

Among the key resolutions adopted by Council was approval to seek up to $5 million in State Government funding to support de-amalgamation costs and the engagement of specialist consultants to update the project’s Financial Sustainability Plan, including assessment of potential Special Rate Variation scenarios.

Council also resolved to formally incorporate de-amalgamation activities into its Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to ensure the project is reflected in Council’s strategic and operational planning.

Mayor Julia Ham said the meeting represented an important milestone in progressing the work required to deliver the community’s referendum decision.

“Councillors engaged in a very thorough and considered discussion on the report,” Mayor Ham said.

“There was robust debate around several aspects of the process, which is both expected and important given the scale and significance of de-amalgamation for our communities.”

Councillors also endorsed the establishment of a De-amalgamation Steering Committee with voting membership to include all Councillors, along with community representatives from both the Northern and Southern areas of the Snowy Valleys Local Government Area.

Chief Transition Officer Nicole Jenkins said the adopted resolutions would help provide structure, transparency and opportunities for ongoing community involvement.

“The outcomes achieved provide a strong foundation for the next phase of the project as we move into the implementation phase,” said Ms Jenkins.

An Expression of Interest process will now be undertaken to appoint community representatives to both the Steering Committee and a new De-amalgamation Community Panel, which will support consultation and engagement activities throughout the project.

Council also agreed to seek community feedback on the possible retention of the Snowy Valleys Council brand for one of the newly constituted council areas, recognising the potential cost efficiencies associated with retaining the existing brand identity.

“It is critical that the community remains informed and involved in shaping the future arrangements for the two proposed councils,” confirmed Ms Jenkins.

The Transition to De-amalgamation project will continue to be progressed in consultation with the NSW Office of Local Government, with further reports to be presented to Council as additional project milestones are reached.

To follow along with the de-amalgamation project, visit Council’s De-amalgamation Information webpage at yourvoice.svc.nsw.gov.au.

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