Hobartians can be proud of their council

We should never be forced to amalgamate, writes Brian Corr

OUR councils should never be forced to amalgamate. We value local democracy, with local aldermen looking after us, responsive to our issues, and accountable to us, particularly in this world of big business, instant communications and the global economy.

As councils get bigger, they become like corporations and start to provide bland services. In recent years, across Australia, the councils that resisted mergers most vigorously were those with a long history and a strong local identity, councils like Hobart.

About 10 years ago, forced amalgamations in Queensland reduced the number of councils from 157 to 72, designed to cut costs through greater economies of scale.

In March this year, Local Government of Queensland CEO Greg Hallam said: “Any claims of savings were clearly illusory … Amalgamation wasn’t the silver bullet.” In a 2018 poll, 69 per cent wanted to undo amalgamations, and only 10 per cent said they were “worth it”. There have been de-amalgamations in recent years.

In rural areas, the local council is the backbone of the community, providing local services, and usually the biggest local employer. Towns can die if the council offices close down. Jobs are lost. Local identity is lost. Clearly amalgamations must be a local voluntary choice.

If the City of Hobart was to amalgamate with an adjoining council, and rates were charged across the amalgamated council area based on land values, Hobart residents would likely pay more, as we have higher land values. Needless to say, Hobart residents would not be happy with this.

Community groups are local experts. Each residents’ association knows its suburb inside out, and, when aldermen work closely with these local associations, it makes local government much more “local”. If you expand a local government area, being ‘local’ is put at risk, which is why amalgamations must always be voluntary — then it’s the ratepayers’ choice.

I have attended numerous council and committee meetings in Hobart in the past two years or so, through my involvement with Hobart Not Highrise and the New Town Community Association. Clearly, the current council is a good council, making good decisions. The aldermen come to the meetings prepared. Diverse views are aired during debate. Interpersonal issues are mostly kept in the background, and are well managed.

Let’s look at some of the achievements: we are on the road to a cap on building heights, the 10-year Capital Works program has been finalised, I’ve noticed major improvements — public toilets, walking and cycling tracks, the new bridge to the domain, precinct upgrades in a number of suburbs (Sandy Bay and Lenah Valley are finished, New Town is coming soon).

I was involved in the New Town precinct upgrade and can say the way it was handled by staff and aldermen was world-class, the best public consultation process I’ve seen.

The Hobart City Vision was endorsed by council in July this year after more than 1100 contributions, 214 one-on-one interviews, a City Forum, online surveys, pop-ups, plus workshops with stakeholders and students. Again, worldclass consultation.

A transport strategy will be finalised soon. Hobart City Council is working closely with Glenorchy Council regarding the rail corridor. The waterfront area has had major upgrades, with wider paths and new street furniture.

Franklin Square Park is much improved.

Hobart City Council has provided good governance, and stability, and deserves to be recognised for this.