University of Newcastle engaged for Demerger Business Case Development
Published on 24 November 2022
Snowy Valleys Council has agreed to engage the University of Newcastle to undertake the preparation of a business case for the demerger of Snowy Valleys Council into the former Local Government Areas of Tumut and Tumbarumba.
Mayor Ian Chaffey said it was good to see the process finally being addressed.
“We have decided to go with the University of Newcastle to prepare the business case which will look at all the options that exist, what the impediments are to SVC, and the opportunities that exist for demerger,” he said.
“Part of the reason we went down the path of the Newcastle proposition was the engagement that will occur with the community, staff, Councillors, and all those who have an input into the future of Snowy Valleys Council or the two demerged entities.
“There’s a process that council has to go through and a lot of imponderables to present so at least the process is started and that’s the main thing,” said Cr Chaffey.
Councillors discussed the opportunity at their November Council Meeting and resolved the following:
M327/22 RESOLVED:
THAT COUNCIL:
- Appoint Newcastle University to undertake a business case capable of being submitted to the Minister for Local Government for de-merging;
- The business case including an independent financial review be reported back to Council for consideration;
- Note that the report prepared by Newcastle University will be independently peer-reviewed as part of the preparation process;
- Allocate $100,000 to the project noting that this will increase the forecast 2022/23 deficit by the same amount.
The anticipated timing for completion of the business case will be negotiated with the University with the aim of expediting the results of the study.
-ENDS-