Candidate fears de-amalgamation

A COUNCIL candidate who didn't support amalgamations four years ago fears the change in State Government will see a renewed call for de-amalgamation.

A COUNCIL candidate who didn't support amalgamations four years ago fears the change in State Government will see a renewed call for de-amalgamation.

Rockhampton Regional Council Division Four candidate and former Fitzroy Shire councillor Ellen Smith said it would take four years to de-amalgamate a council and then there would be arguments over which of the new councils would take what funds, and amount of debt.

Ms Smith aired her concerns at the Gracemere Community Voice local election candidates' forum last night.

More than 200 Grace-mere residents attended the forum, which three out of the four candidates for Division Four attended.

The forum was split into two sections, with the second half set up for mayoral candidates.

During the four minutes each divisional candidate was given to speak to the crowd, Ms Smith raised the issue.

"I've never been a fan of amalgamation," she said. "It's like putting four people together with four different personalities and expecting them to work in harmony.

"My worry is with the new government in Queensland, the coast will push for de-amalgamation."

Cr Sandra O'Brien, who is vying for re-election, talked in depth about Gracemere's community garden, which was not funded by council, while fellow candidate Ewan Filmer talked about his experience working with local governments and Gracemere issues.

Dan De Zoysa was absent.

Originally published as Candidate fears de-amalgamation