De-amalgamation Referendum – Community Information Mail-Out
Published on 22 October 2025
From the week of 27 October, around 8,300 Snowy Valleys households and businesses will receive a De-amalgamation Referendum Information Fact Sheet via Australia Post unaddressed mail.
The Snowy Valleys Council Referendum Fact Sheet outlines the key points and potential financial implications of a de-amalgamation as detailed in Council’s De-amalgamation Implementation and Financial Sustainability Plans.
Mayor Julia Ham said the referendum fact sheet is aimed to help the community better understand the options and potential financial implications before casting their vote.
“I encourage everyone to take the time to understand and debate what a de-amalgamation could mean, for individuals, communities and our region to ensure you can make an informed vote,” Mayor Ham said.
This week, the Mayor met with the Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig MP, Dr Joe McGirr MP and Justin Clancy MP to discuss the referendum to be held in the Snowy Valleys on Saturday, 29th November.
The meeting sought to clarify some financial questions around the referendum and the possible de-amalgamation costs.
“In good news, the Minister said that the State Government would help to cover the cost of holding the referendum,” Mayor Ham said.
On the topic of Government grants to fund the potential de-amalgamation, Mayor Ham said the Minister explained he didn’t want to give out a straight grant.
“He wants to wait until the two new councils come back with a proposal of what and how the money is to be spent. This means the new councils will have to look at all their services and decide how much money they need to run,” she said.
“The Minister was very generous with his time. I thank him and our two very hard-working local members for their work.”
The referendum is expected to cost Council around $180,000, with the additional costs now confirmed to be picked up by the state government.
A de-amalgamation is estimated to cost around $4.8 million (plus CPI).
Council has engaged the NSW Electoral Commission to host the De-amalgamation Referendum and voting is compulsory for all those enrolled.
The residential and non-residential electoral rolls closed at 6pm on Monday 20 October, and applications for postal voting are now open.
Council processed 24 non-residential roll requests and will make the non-residential roll available at Council counters in the coming days.
Council’s De-amalgamation webpage has been updated with the latest details and dates, and the NSW Electoral Commission is providing regular updates as voting arrangements are finalised.
All de-amalgamation documents are available on Council’s website, with printed copies for viewing at libraries and customer service counters. For more information, visit www.svc.nsw.gov.au/de-amalgamation
Key Referendum Dates
- Tuesday 21 October – Postal vote applications open
- Saturday 22 November – Pre-polling opens
- Monday 24 November – Postal vote applications close
- Friday 28 November – Pre-polling closes
- Saturday 29 November – Voting day
- Friday 12 December – Postal vote closes
- Monday 15 December – Count complete
- Tuesday 16 December – Results declared
Anyone who would like to work at the Referendum can contact the NSW Electoral Commission to apply. Election work experience is not essential, and all roles are paid. Visit elections.nsw.gov.au/elections
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