The state government has confirmed that there will be ‘no forced council amalgamations’ in the state, following a wave of concern among mayors at several Northern Tasmanian councils – who were concerned about potential mergers.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff assured Tasmanians that the government had taken their concerns into account and would ‘let communities and councils decide their own future’.
“The time has come to put an end to the fear and uncertainty surrounding council amalgamations,” said Premier Rockliff.
“We have listened to the concerns of Tasmanians and councils, and there will be no forced mergers. It is the communities and councils who will have the final say.”
The Future of Local Government review is ongoing, with councils and community members having the opportunity to share their thoughts on community catchment areas until August 2nd.
The decision to rule out forced amalgamations comes after Local Government Minister Nic Street acknowledged in March 2023 that the current number of 29 councils was ‘unsustainable’ and that ‘all options were on the table.’
The Local Government Review Board is expected to release its final report on October 31st.
Following this, councils will review the document and submit their recommendations to the government.
Any merger proposals agreed upon by the councils will then be subject to a community vote.
