The Tasmanian Government will not force councils to amalgamate, regardless of the outcome of the current Local Government Review Board process.
The Mercury reported on Sunday, 16th July that Premier Jeremy Rockcliff has moved to quell growing disquiet among smaller councils by declaring that the review would not result in forced amalgamations.
He said he wanted to “end fear and uncertainty” by making it clear that councils will make their decisions on potential amalgamations.
Local Government Minister Nic Street said that councils would be invited to review the Board’s report, which is due for release on 31st October, and make a submission to the government about their preferences.
Good to hear that at this stage there will not be forced mergers in Tasmania. In my opinion mergers should only occur as a result of poll where two thirds of voters support it.