Council survey upsets some

THE Glamorgan Spring Bay Council again risks raising the ire of non-permanent ratepayers — this time over questions in its survey regarding whether it should amalgamate with nearby councils.

A survey by the council on whether it should amalgamate with nearby Clarence, Sorell and Tasman, merge with Sorell and Tasman, or just look to enter into a strategic partnership with its neighbours, will finish this month.

Last year, a KPMG report found the creation of a greater south-eastern council would save $7.6 million a year while merging Glamorgan Spring Bay, Sorell and Tasman $2.5 million. But non-permanent resident ratepayers of the mu- nicipality have taken issue with the questions in the survey — saying again they are being marginalised.

After the survey asks for opinions on what the council should do on the amalgamation front, it asks whether the person answering it is “A Glamorgan Spring Bay ratepayer and permanent resident in the municipal area, a Glamorgan Spring Bay ratepayer but not a permanent resident in the municipal area, or a permanent resident of Glamorgan Spring Bay but not a ratepayer”.

In February, Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Michael Kent angered shack owners in the municipality when, after an independent report giving the green light for the Okehampton Bay salmon farm, Cr Kent said most of those opposed to it were “shackies” who did not represent a community crying out for jobs and investment.

Cr Kent said the survey was not about giving the views of one group in the municipality greater weight.

“We [also] have ratepayers who rent a house and become residents. Some of them have been residents for years but not specifically a ratepayer,” he said. “It is about giving them a chance to be heard on such a big issue.”

Clarence City Council is also surveying its residents and ratepayers about voluntary amalgamation and shared services options.

Clarence residents and ratepayers who have not received an information booklet and survey form are asked to contact the council. The Clarence survey closes on November 24.