TIME FOR FEWER COUNCILS

IT seems like it’s time to pull off the Band-Aid and get moving with amalgamating councils in Tasmania. For a state with a population of 550,000, having 29 councils seems like a lot. About 24 too many, by some people’s standards.

Outspoken and long-serving Hobart alderman Marti Zucco is one of many voices calling for change.

He said now was the time to do it, with the state government asking the Local Government Board to examine the role, function and design of local government in Tasmania.

The first interim report was released on Thursday, with many in the community saying the issues identified are ones many people have been complaining about for years.

Local Government Minister Nic Street said there were no surprises in the report.

“The issues that they’ve identified are the same issues that are talked about all the time in terms of local government,” he said.

That’s part of the issue, so why not just get on with it?

In an online poll, readers of the Mercury voted overwhelmingly for a move towards five mega-councils, with about 80 per cent of respondents in favour of the move.

The Mercury’s social media following was also in favour.

The majority of them wanted more streamlined local government to save money and make processes more efficient.

The big concern from readers against the move was the possible lack of local representation.

Concerns that smaller towns would be left out or pushed over in a bigger council is an issue that can be overcome.

Just because you have bigger councils doesn’t mean you have less representation on the ground.

If the structure is right, every area can still have local elected members to consult with on local issues.

They are the ones that will give people a voice in a larger local government.

The big saving and efficiency comes from less bureaucracy and more streamlined processes behind the scenes.

Local laws and regulations can become aligned so business can operate more smoothly and with certainty.

At the moment many councils have different rules and regulations.

There is a lot to be gained for Tasmania if amalgamations are implemented.

As one commentator put it: “This is the 21st century … not horse and cart days.”

Larger, better-funded councils should be able to provide a lot more for residents and set up Tassie for a vibrant future.