Councils closer to merger

THE Sorell and Tasman councils could merge by the end of next year after a Local Government Board report recommended they pursue voluntary amalgamation.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein released the report yesterday, which recommended the councils explore the potential to deliver a range of financial and strategic benefits. The board proposes a transitional process to enable the election of councillors for a new, amalgamated council by the end of next year.

The councils will consider the board’s recommendations this month before making a decision.

A MERGER of the Sorell and Tasman councils is a step closer after a Local Government Board report recommended they pursue voluntary amalgamation.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein published the report yesterday. It encouraged the councils to amalgamate to deliver financial and strategic benefits for the councils and the community.

The board proposed a transitional process resulting in the election of councillors for a new, amalgamated council by the end of next year.

The councils will now consider the recommendations at meetings this month.

If approved, it would be the first voluntary council amalgamation since the State Government put the issue back on the agenda in 2014.

Mr Gutwein said the two councils had a “fantastic opportunity” to work closely together and share benefits but they must agree to the merger.

“I want to make it clear that the Government will not be forcing these two councils, or any other councils, to amalgamate,” Mr Gutwein said. “Forced amalgamations simply do not work. Sustainable change has to be driven by the community.”

The two councils indicated in August last year they wished to further investigate a possible amalgamation, following extensive public consultation.

The Local Government Board review formally began in December. The report was praised for its thoroughness by both Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent and Tasman Mayor Roseanne Heyward.

“It gives us a lot to think about and to decide,” Cr Heyward said.

Cr Vincent said the report “puts a very strong case that things need to change”.

“I’ve always been leading towards boundary adjustments that suit geographically, and I think a merger … is a very sensible suggestion, but we have to weigh up community feeling,” Cr Vincent said.

The report recommended an amalgamated council be made up of nine councillors and be given the interim name of the Sorell-Tasman Council.