De-amalgamation Referendum Date Confirmed

Published on 14 October 2025

Snowy Valleys residents will go to the polls on Saturday, 29 November 2025, to vote on the question of de-amalgamation.

Mayor Julia Ham encouraged the community to take the time to understand the proposal and participate in the upcoming vote.

“The referendum gives our community the opportunity to participate in a democratic process deciding how our communities would like to be governed on a local level,” Mayor Ham said.

Mayor Ham also confirmed that Council was distributing a letter to all households from late October via Australia Post.

“The letter and referendum fact sheet outlines the key points and potential financial implications detailed in the De-amalgamation Implementation and Financial Sustainability Plans to help residents make an informed decision,” said Mayor Ham.

The referendum is being run by the NSW Electoral Commission, and voting is compulsory for all enrolled electors in the Snowy Valleys local government area.

The official question on the ballot will be:

“Should the Snowy Valleys Council be de-amalgamated and the former Tumut Shire and Tumbarumba Shire Councils be re-constituted as separate local government areas?” Yes/No

Residents are urged to familiarise themselves with the financial and service implications of de-amalgamation, including potential rate increases and transition costs outlined in the Council’s de-amalgamation plans.

All de-amalgamation documents are available on Council’s website, with printed copies for viewing at libraries and customer service counters.

The electoral roll closes at 6 pm on Monday, 20 October 2025, and all eligible electors, including non-residential voters, must ensure their enrolment is up to date before this date.

For more information, visit www.svc.nsw.gov.au/de-amalgamation

-ENDS-