Mayor Meets With Minister For Local Government

Published on 19 November 2024

Mayor Julia Ham met with the NSW Minister for Local Government Minister, Ron Hoenig, MP, and Dr Joe McGirr MP, last Thursday to discuss the ongoing de-amalgamation process.

Council is on track to provide its Financial Sustainability Plan and Dealmalgamation Implementation Plan to the Boundaries Commission before the end of this year.

Minister Hoenig told Cr Ham he had great faith in the Boundaries Commission and would support their recommendations which are expected to be presented around April 2025.

Should the Boundaries Commission support the de-amalgamation, a constitutional referendum would need to occur where 51% of all voters in the Snowy Valleys will need to vote yes in support.

The referendum could cost up to $130,000 and the Minister advised he would consider a loan to Council to cover this cost.

The Minister also indicated he would consider a $5 million grant to Council, as per legislation, in support of the de-amalgamation process if it was approved to go ahead