LONG-TIME council amalgamation advocate Marti Zucco has urged local government to seriously consider council amalgamations.
Ald Zucco said the time had come to reduce the number of local councils in Tasmania and if councils didn’t act then the State Government should intervene.
“Council amalgamations should be managed in an appropriate manner with serious consideration of all issues,” Ald Zucco said
“Consultation needs to be based on big picture benefits and what’s best for each region rather than political grandstanding.
“The increased sophistication in service delivery and provision of amenities has outstripped the colonial boundaries of our current local government jurisdictions,” he said.
“We need to look at amalgamations with an open mind. The State Government says it will leave it to local government to determine but it must act and take the lead on this issue or the status quo will ensue.
“Unfortunately, I can’t see local government representatives electing to vote themselves out of their roles.
“At the same time, it’s interesting that the State Government is considering legislation to allow an open field for Mayors and their deputies so why not put amalgamations on the table as well?
“I am prepared to risk my position as an alderman in a process that evaluates the benefits of amalgamations and to see this through. I will continue to pursue this. The State that is over-governed with 29 councils for a population of a little more than 500,000 residents.”
Alderman Zucco said the amalgamated council scenario could see a greater Hobart/Southern region comprising four distinct geographic areas – central, outer northern, south and east. A proposal for amalgamations should reflect this geographic reality, and would provide a visionary approach to this matter.
He said the proposal would not adversely affect democratic traditions and would be based on an eastern council (Clarence, Sorell, Tasman), a central council (predominantly Hobart and Glenorchy), a southern council (Kingborough and the Huon Valley), and an outer northern regional council (Brighton, Derwent Valley, Southern Midlands and Central Highlands) with each city maintaining its status within the regions.
“Ultimately we need to look at the big picture and how we can improve the economic benefits and cost effective services for the regions and the ratepayers, rather than what may be an idealistic view point that fails to grasp the most important issue of concern and that is the ever increasing charges and the rising costs of living for households.”
Hobart Alderman Marti Zucco
