Hobart and Glenorchy city councils could merge to create a new “Council of Clark”, under an ambitious proposal from a veteran councillor who says Tasmania’s 29-council system has outlived its purpose.
Alderman Marti Zucco will on Monday move a motion to begin voluntary amalgamation talks with neighbouring Glenorchy, arguing the state’s fragmented local government model is wasteful and outdated.
“Tasmania currently has 29 general managers, some earning as much as or more than the prime minister, along with an extensive second and third tier of senior management that continues to grow,” he said.
“This duplication of bureaucracy is no longer fit for purpose.”
Under Zucco’s “Council of Clark” concept, both Hobart and Glenorchy would keep their identities as cities within a new overarching structure.
He says modern technology has rendered the current approach “obsolete”.
“The 1800s and 1900s-era when people travelled long distances by horse and cart to deliver handwritten correspondence is well behind us. The relics of that colonial past should also be left behind,” Zucco said.
“Today’s technologically advanced society enjoys the benefits of online meeting platforms such as Zoom and Teams, instant messaging, online banking, electronic transactions and digital service delivery.”
With Tasmania’s population sitting below 600,000, Zucco believes it is unreasonable to maintain a governance system “designed for a vastly different time”.
“Local councils were once responsible for services such as policing, water and transport,” he said.
“Those services now sit with state or federal governments. Other current council responsibilities could likewise be redistributed if local government, as a tier, were abolished.”
Zucco argues his motion offers a “practical and community-focused pathway” to a more efficient and responsive local government system.
“By opening voluntary amalgamation discussions with Glenorchy, the Hobart City Council shows it is willing to plan responsibly for the future, reduce unnecessary duplication and direct savings back into the services residents’ value most,” he said.
Council administration, however, has urged caution, noting Hobart ratepayers haven’t been consulted and key questions remain.
“The city does not have sufficient evidence outlining Hobartian views on council mergers to form an opinion on the proposed boundary alteration options,” the administration response states, referencing concerns raised during a 2023-24 state government review.
Outstanding issues include long-term financial sustainability, maintaining community connections and the future management of kunanyi/Mount Wellington – currently the subject of a separate state government review.
A 2017 feasibility study found a Hobart–Glenorchy merger could deliver savings and better planning outcomes, but the proposal was never acted on.
The administration is recommending a detailed CEO report before any amalgamation talks progress.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey voiced support for mergers in 2021, before the state government ruled out forced amalgamations.
“All councils are facing enormous challenges and I fully support the Tasmanian government’s move to rationalise the number of councils in Tasmania and improve their efficiencies,” she said.
“I have always believed sensible amalgamations are inevitable, but it was an idea that never gained traction with those elected to councils.”
The motion will be debated at Monday’s Hobart City Council meeting.
