NORTHERN Tablelands councils were reassured that there would be no forced amalgamations from the State Government after Minister for Local Government Don Page met with the region’s mayors and general managers last week.
Representatives from the Armidale, Uralla, Guyra, Glen Innes, Walcha, Tenterfield and Gwydir councils met with Mr Page and MP Adam Marshall in Armidale to discuss the future direction of their municipalities.
Mr Page assured the dignitaries that local governments were significant players within the state and it was vital they maintained their independence and allow the decentralisation of decision-making.
“To do this successfully we need to make our councils financially sustainable, so it is vital they work together to improve their efficiency,” Mr Page said.
“This can be done by sharing services, expertise, and resources.
“It’s no longer a matter of choice, councils must work more collaboratively to achieve these efficiencies.”
The meeting lasted more than two hours, which gave every council a chance to hear from the minister and ask questions about their councils and local government more generally.
Uralla deputy mayor Bob Crouch, who was filling in for mayor Michael Pearce, said he thought the meeting was productive.
“I thought it was very positive and it reinforced the importance of local government,” he said.
“From my point of view it was good to see the minister sharing similar views.”
Mr Marshall said the Mr Page also discussed the issue of the soon-to-be-released final report from the Independent Local Government Review Panel.
“He outlined his vision and discussed the importance of strong local government, which is vital to the health of our local communities,” Mr Marshall said.
“As promised, there will be no forced amalgamations which allows local decisions to remain at a local level.
“However, councils have to look more regionally in the delivery of services, procurement and infrastructure.”
