Mergers back on agenda

Review flags changes for councils

THREE options to overhaul Tasmania’s local government sector have been suggested as part of a review, with having fewer, larger councils flagged as one possible solution.

The Local Government Board released its options paper on Wednesday, suggesting 33 reform options and three possible structural changes.

The review found an increasing number of councils were unable to fulfil a range of functions, particularly health and safety functions.

It was also found councils were expected to face growing demand on resources because of growing needs in the community.

Board chair Sue Smith said among the feedback provided by the community was that many councils were struggling.

“Many councils, despite their best efforts, struggle to do all the things their communities increasingly need and expect, while still fulfilling their core responsibilities,” Ms Smith said.

“The biggest problem from the perspective of local government is the same as business and industry are saying.

“The latest statistic from the Australian Local Government Association say there is an 86 per cent shortage of staff in local government in Tasmania.”

The structural changes suggested are the mandatory sharing of services, redrawing the boundaries to create fewer, larger councils, while the third option is a combination of both.

Ms Smith said amalgamation was not necessarily the obvious option.

“It’s very easy to say ‘amalgamate and get on with it’ ... less doesn’t always make it better,” she said.

“We have to put in strategies as to how we protect those smaller communities.”

She said there was an expectation councils be more flexible to be able to deliver other services.

“The Local Government Board has heard our councils should play an increasing role in supporting the wellbeing and prosperity of Tasmanian communities,” Ms Smith said.

The paper has been released for public comment, with the full report set to be released next June.