It’s time to vote for real reform in local government

Labor Candidate for Hobart City Council, Simon Monk called on residents to vote for a council that will take the lead on amalgamations and adopt a ward-based system.

“If elected to Hobart City Council I will seek to engage all southern councils to begin integrating the delivery and administration of council services,” Mr Monk said.

“Service delivery by Tasmanian councils is suffocated by small economies of scale.”

Despite the state’s six largest councils making up 53 percent of the population, no council has a rate-payer base greater than 66,000.

“More cooperation means more efficient delivery of services.

“Amalgamations will only occur if residents of southern Tasmania vote for leadership when they return their ballot papers over the coming weeks.”

Mr Monk said that opposition to amalgamation has been centred on concerns about the representation of local communities.

“Amalgamation done badly could lead to the fixation of our councils on a small number of issues or areas.

“Hobart City Council is already a victim of this mentality, with a disproportionate focus on the CBD and waterfront while our suburbs, the places where people live, have been neglected.

“A ward-based system, which ensures balanced representation from different communities has been effective across Australia and internationally and would seem to be a perfect fit for Tasmania.”

Mr Monk said that ward-based amalgamation would ensure that residents were the beneficiaries of greater flexibility and investment in infrastructure and services.

“Savings from greater integration of councils should be invested back into communities through improved delivery and range of services.

“That means things like managing our road and footpath networks, parks and reserves, waste management, planning and development and engagement of young people, seniors and the broader community.

“I support a system which ensures councillors are connected and accountable to their local communities.”