The Hobart City Council has rejected a motion to begin immediate amalgamation talks with neighbouring Glenorchy, instead voting to put the question to ratepayers at the next local government election.
Alderman Marti Zucco’s proposal to create a “Council of Clark” by merging the two councils was amended by fellow councillors on Monday night.
Under the revised motion, Glenorchy must first agree before the two councils hold an elector poll.
An evidence-based report examining the implications, opportunities and risks would be commissioned ahead of any vote.
It was supported by Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds and councillors Mike Dutta, Ryan Posselt, Gemma Kitsos, Ben Lohberger, Louise Bloomfield and Bill Harvey.
Zucco and councillors Louise Elliot, Will Coats and John Kelly voted against it.
“Council has just voted down my motion to commence discussions with Glenorchy City to begin talks on amalgamations,” Zucco said after the meeting.
“It’s been kicked down the road to an elector poll.”
“An elector poll may be needed eventually, but the groundwork needs to be done so that people know what an amalgamated council framework would look like.”
Zucco said significant information already existed in previous council reports outlining the potential benefits of amalgamation.
“This is just delaying the inevitable simply for self interest,” Zucco said. “A massive failure of leadership.”
The alderman has long argued Tasmania’s 29-council system is outdated and wasteful, pointing out that some general managers earn as much as the prime minister.
Under his proposal, both Hobart and Glenorchy would retain their city identities within a new overarching structure.
Council administration had urged caution, noting Hobart ratepayers had not been consulted and that major questions remained around financial sustainability and community connections.
The amended motion also seeks state government funding to cover additional costs.
A 2017 feasibility study found a Hobart–Glenorchy merger could deliver savings and better planning outcomes, but the idea was never pursued.
Glenorchy Mayor Sue Hickey previously voiced support for sensible amalgamations in 2021, before the state government ruled out forced mergers.
The matter will now return to council in a workshop setting before any further decisions are made.
