The Hodgman Liberal Government is working with local government to make Tasmania the best place in the country to live, work, invest and raise a family.
Last year, I began discussions about how to deliver the best possible local government services at the lowest possible cost to ratepayers.
Significant progress has been made and I can announce today that 23 of the 29 councils in Tasmania are taking the next step.
This includes:
• Discussions getting underway between Hobart, Clarence, Sorell, Kingborough, Glamorgan Spring Bay, and Tasman regarding modelling both strategic resource sharing and also amalgamation options including the forming of either a Greater Hobart Council and/or a Greater South East Council. Glenorchy is still consulting with its ratepayers and I am hopeful they will also join the discussions shortly.
• All of the Northern councils have begun discussions to consider a strategic resource-sharing model for the north of the State.
• Eight out of nine councils on the North-West will commence formal discussions about modelling strategic resource sharing. I am hopeful that Devonport will also come on board and join with the other councils.
Now is the time to seize on the momentum. I want the discussions between councils to start as soon as possible and I want the modelling of the various scenarios to commence at the earliest opportunity.
While it’s disappointing that some councils have chosen not to participate I remain hopeful that they may reconsider.
Over the last six months, local government has made significant strides and over the next six months it’s time for the rubber to hit the road. We cannot let the good will that’s been built up and the genuine effort made by the community, local governments and the State Government go to waste.
We must look genuinely and openly at significant change, not for the sake of change itself, but because we owe it to the ratepayers and to the broader community.
Peter Gutwein, Minister for Planning and Local Government
