De-amalgamation Steering Committee to Hold Inaugural Meeting

Published on 03 August 2026

The Snowy Valleys Council De-amalgamation Steering Committee will meet for the first time on Thursday 6 August at the Snowy Valleys Resilience Hub in Batlow, marking an important milestone in the transition towards two independent councils.

Community representatives Allan Tonkin, Barney Hyams, John Connors, Mary Hoodless AM, Ian Chaffey and Andrew Rae will join elected Councillors and Council Executive staff (non-voting members) for the inaugural meeting, which will commence at 4.15pm.

Prior to the meeting, Chief Transition Officer Nicole Jenkins will lead an induction session for Committee members, including introductions and an overview of the Committee's governance role and responsibilities.

Ms Jenkins said the Steering Committee had been established to provide strategic leadership, oversight and governance throughout the de-amalgamation process.

"The Committee will play a key role in guiding the transition, monitoring project delivery and supporting transparent, evidence-based decision-making as Council works towards establishing two financially sustainable councils," Ms Jenkins said.

The inaugural meeting agenda includes the election of a Chair, confirmation of future meeting arrangements, consideration of a proposed project funding strategy, selection of the Community Panel members and a confidential report regarding Council’s primary technology platform.

"Bringing together Councillors and independent community representatives ensures the transition benefits from a broad range of perspectives while maintaining strong governance and accountability throughout the process," Ms Jenkins said.

The inaugural meeting will be open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend as observers but the meeting will not be livestreamed.

The Committee Business Paper is available on Council's website at www.svc.nsw.gov.au/DASC.