Letter to Editor
Local Government Reform
As Mayor of the Huon Valley Council, I make it clear that my following comments do not reflect the decisions or opinions of the Huon Valley Council as a whole.
What I want to do is to assure all Huon Valley residents that Kingborough Council is not playing politics, as Councillor Ken Studley has asserted (Huon Valley News 14/5/15).
I feel it is my duty, as Mayor, to communicate with other councils, especially Kingborough, which is the fastest growing council in Tasmania and is attracting millions of investment dollars and creating hundreds of jobs.
My discussions with Kingborough have been constructive and positive. I believe that we can all learn from each other, and grow together without the need for polarised politics.
For the Huon Valley to grow its employment opportunities, we must review all options that will help to improve services for residents yet retain our unique lifestyle. Kingborough’s experiences could be of help to us.
In 1993, I opposed the amalgamation of Port Cygnet, Huon and Esperance councils for the very same reasons that Councillor Studley is today opposing researching voluntary amalgamation options. With the benefit of 22 years of hindsight, I now realise I was wrong in 1993. And today, I believe it would be wrong for councils not to at least talk to one another about whether voluntary amalgamation, cooperation or resource sharing could be mutually beneficial.
I would like all valley residents to consider whether, once again, it is time to review what type and form of local government structure we should have for the next 22 years.
We should ask ourselves whether the former Port Cygnet Council would be sustainable today and able to provide the level of services that are required of a local government? The answer is clearly “no”.
Another question to ask ourselves is whether, over the next 22 years, our council, under its present structure, could grow enough funds to invest in infrastructure such as roads, storm water, buildings and community services. The answer is probably that we won’t be able to if we don’t do the necessary research and examine all the options.
It is clear that governments at state and national level will be reducing their financial support to local government. The Minister for Local Government, Mr Peter Gutwein, is not asking councils to look at reform for no reason. In our own, council, for example, its annual report for 2013/14 shows a general rate income of $8.6 million. Yet, for the same period, it had employee costs of $8.8 million. Where is the additional money that is needed to come from?
Balanced budgets and debt-free financial reports do not fix our roads, improve or grow our infrastructure, if enough money is not available to fix these issues. If our community is to grow, then we must adapt and embrace change.
As your Mayor, I will continue to work hard at building relationships with governments and all councils, including Kingborough. For Councillor Studley to run an argument that the people of Kingborough are different from us does not make sense. We are all Australians, and we all want the best for our families and communities.
Councillor Studley’s views on community interests are valid. But this matter could be addressed by researching the possibilities of a balanced ward system and the establishment of voluntary community boards. For example, a ward system would help towns such as Dover and Southport, which sometimes feel left out.
If our council does not seek independent advice and consider all options, it does run the real risk that substantial rate rises will have to occur to offset reductions in Commonwealth and State funding.
I ask all residents to talk to all Heart of the Huon Team members on council and ask them to reconsider their opposition to an arm’s length review of all options for local government reform, including voluntary amalgamations.
The last thing any of us want is forced amalgamations when the present local government system fails.
Peter Coad,
Mayor of Huon Valley Council
• Dave, in Comments: It is very refreshing to read this from a mayor of the HV. I can’t see how communicating and discussing options with Kingborough is a bad thing or in fact how you would vote no. Seems pretty narrow minded on the face of it to not at least explore options. It is hard to imagine how the current state of play will be able to meet all costs and also aim to improve the region into the next 30 years or so. If we are struggling to meet costs now, how will be also get things pumping for the local community and businesses? Not moving with the times = stagnation. Good work Peter and I hope you continue to fight for sensibility.
