THE Councillors of Bombala, Cooma and Snowy River, together with their respective General Managers and Executives, have attended a facilitated workshop in Cooma to discuss the preparation of a business case for a potential merger.
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The business case will be funded on a 50/50 basis by the State Government and the three Councils, and will be one of a number of cases that will be considered over the coming months as the Councils prepare their submissions in response to the State Government’s Fit for the Future Program.
The workshop was the result of an offer by the State Government for a facilitator to explore the interest in, and feasibility of, a potential merger by Councils.
“This is not to say we will merge but it would be negligent for us not to at least develop a business case which explores the benefits and costs of a merger as well as the socio-economic impacts on our communities if the three Councils were to merge,” said John Cahill, Mayor of Snowy River.
“It is necessary for our communities to evaluate a range of options to ensure they contribute to an informed decision as to whether they will support a merger or prefer that the Councils remain stand alone.
“As such, a merger business case will be required so that the community can compare this to a stand-alone or other options,” said Dean Lynch, Mayor of Cooma.
Mayor of Bombala, Cr Bob Stewart agreed, but once again voiced his hopes that Bombala can remain independent.
“I think it would be the preference for each of the Councils and the communities to stand alone; this would be my preference. But if there is a greater benefit for the community in a merger, that generates more jobs or economic growth or more services or better roads, through a merger, and this can be shown, then we would consider it,” Cr Stewart said.
The Councils will make an application to the State Government for the 50/50 funding of technical experts to undertake the preparation of the business case due by June 30, 2015.
Councillors expressed their concern at the requirements of this process and the limited time available to properly consider options. The three Mayors will be seeking to discuss this timeframe with the Minister.