Council Welcomes De-Amalgamation Bill

Published on 13 May 2024

Snowy Valleys Council has welcomed the passing of the Local Government Amendment (De-amalgamations) Bill 2024 which provides a mechanism for the Government to contribute to funding the costs of demergers incurred by councils.

Mayor Ian Chaffey said the new legislation provides certainty to Snowy Valleys Council that the Government can contribute to funding the costs of a de-amalgamation providing councils can make a compelling case.

“The new legislation will undoubtedly increase the prospects of a de-amalgamation and will be taken into consideration with the development of Council’s De-amalgamation Implementation Plan,” Cr Chaffey said.

Under the Government’s new laws, councils seeking to de-amalgamate must work in close consultation with their community to develop a robust business case for de-amalgamation.

The business case should consider the impacts of de-amalgamation including financial ramifications, long-term strategic plans, and the capacity of new councils to deliver services.

“It will still be incumbent upon Council to demonstrate that two new Councils would be financially sustainable in the longer term,” Mayor Chaffey said.

Council submitted a De-amalgamation Business Case proposal to the Minister for Local Government in September 2023 which was then referred to the Local Government Boundaries Commission for examination.

The Boundaries Commission has recently announced they will conduct public hearings regarding SVC’s proposal for de-amalgamation in late May.

To assist community members Council is holding community information sessions this week on Tuesday 14 May and Wednesday 15 May to provide updates on the de-amalgamation proposal and share information on how to participate in the Boundaries Commission’s process.

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