Ratepayers rate success of Bundaberg council amalgamation

It’s been 15 years since four local councils were amalgamated into Bundaberg Regional Council, and the benefits of that have not been visible to all - in fact, some communities say they feel “forgotten”.

Bundaberg Regional Ratepayers Association president Helen Blackburn said the panel will discuss the successes and the failures of amalgamation.

It’s been about 15 years since four local councils were amalgamated to became the Bundaberg Regional Council, and still the benefits of that are not visible to all - in fact, some outlying communities feel they have been “forgotten”.

The Bundaberg Regional Ratepayers Association will hold a discussion panel on Wednesday, July 5, to discuss the long term impact of the 2008 amalgamation of Bundaberg City, Burnett Shire, Isis Shire and Kolan Shire councils.

As recently as 2012, former Isis Shire mayor and current Bundaberg Regional councillor Bill Trevor was calling for de-amalgamation.

While that bid was ultimately quashed, Ratepayers president Helen Blackburn said communities outside the heart of Bundaberg felt “forgotten” since the amalgamation.

Bill Trevor fought for de-amalgamation as the former mayor of Isis Shire.

The panel will compare years of budgets to better understand the successes and failures of amalgamation.

Former mayors and council members will speak at the panel, in the hope of gathering and understanding the communities’ feelings towards modern budgets, the years since amalgamation and what could be done to improve the situation for those areas feeling forgotten.

“So the conversation will be about amalgamation and whether it worked or not,” Mrs Blackburn said.

“We’re not going to tear apart this current budget,; what we’re going to look at is how transparency and accountability compares.”

Former mayor Lorraine Pyefinch, and former councillors Ross Sommerfield and John Russo will discuss regional developments alongside the community.

When speaking on the goals of the panel, Mrs Blackburn said education and insight were paramount.

“The panel will inform what information we provide to our members as one of the largest not-for-profit community based organisations,” she said.

“There’s also going to be people in the room next week that are considering running for council next year.

“Let’s hope that ignites some thought processes for them.”