Self-interest outweighs community good at Sorell Council

A move that would have seen Sorell Council go to the people to endorse a merger with Clarence City
Council has been snuffed out dashing any chance of local government having the maturity to deal
with the reform issue according to Tasmanians for Reform Chairwoman, Mary Massina.

Ms Massina said revelations earlier today that Sorell Council had voted four votes to three against a
move to again seek the community’s view on the possibility of a merger with Clarence Council was
exceedingly disappointing.

“I understand that two of the aldermen who voted against the move, actually spoke in fulsome
support of the initiative,” Ms Massina said.

“It is a classic case of being too afraid to ask the question because you know what the answer will be
and that is an overwhelming yes to council mergers.

“Mayor Kerry Vincent is the second Sorell Mayor to be bitterly let down by their fellow Aldermen.”

Ms Massina said an earlier survey undertaken by Sorell Council had shown some 80 per cent support
for merger discussions, yet four aldermen have chosen to turn their backs on the people who
elected them to office.

“What is worse, a motion at Clarence City Council to extend merger talks beyond Sorell to include
Hobart City Council has now been left to gather dust,” Ms Massina said.

Ms Massina said while it was clear that a number of people in local government had the courage to
face up to the need for reform, when push came to shove self-interest expressed by a few had won
out.

“Southern Councils have their own report showing a 15 per cent saving from the creation of a
Greater Hobart Council, yet for some reason elected members would rather feather their own nest,
than actually pass on savings to long suffering ratepayers,” Ms Massina said.

“This is not about a loss of identity or representation; this is actually about delivering better services
and infrastructure to the community at a lower price.

“Why is it that State and Federal Governments are required to pull their belts in, but local
government can continue to act without any accountability?” Ms Massina said.
Tasmanians for Reform spokesperson, Mary Massina