The Minister for Local Government has referred the proposed merger of Cooma-Monaro Shire Council, Snowy River and Bombala Council’s to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government for examination and report.
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The Department of Premier and Cabinet has released the following process that will be followed in addressing the merger proposal.
• Councils will be working with a Delegate to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government and going through relevant issues.
• Councils can make submissions on the proposal by February 28, 2016.
• A formal public hearing will be held around mid-February where members of the public can voice their opinions.
• The delegate then makes a recommendation on the proposal (i.e. either to proceed; not proceed; or proceed with minor amendments). The Boundaries Commission also makes comment on the recommendation, and the Minister makes a determination.
On current indications, it is likely, that if the proposal is to proceed, that the official proclamation date is expected to be July 1, 2016.
If the proposal does proceed, the interim governance structure would have to be determined (e.g. whether an administrator is appointed; whether an “interim” council is appointed; whether a ‘caretaker’ GM is appointed et cetera.). At this stage, the governance details of councils after proclamation are yet to be determined. To this end, the local government elections are likely to be delayed until March 2017.
Please note that councils are still required to proceed as usual with setting operational and delivery plans, budgets and strategies for the 2016/17 year – on a ‘business as usual’ basis.
