Hinchliffe meets with GBCA reps

Members of the Granite Belt Community Association have held urgent talks with the Local Government Minister following the release of QTC's financial analysis.

PUSHING ON: Granite Belt Community Association secretary Amanda Harrold and president Rev Alan Colyer say they'll continue to fight for de-amalgamation. Picture: Matthew Purcell

MEMBERS of the Granite Belt Community Association have held urgent talks with the Local Government Minister following the release of QTC's financial analysis.

Minister Stirling Hinchliffe was in Warwick earlier today, with GBCA's president and secretary afforded time to meet with him.

Association president Rev Alan Colyer said it's all in council's hands now.

"The bottom line is that there is one more chance,” he said.

"The council has to vote that at this stage it goes to the Change Commission.

"If they do that then I think that would be the right thing to do for the community. If they don't, then I think the community will judge them accordingly,” Rev Colyer said.

He again stressed the importance of turning up to April 28's public rally. Even hinting that if numbers are low they could pull the pin on the de-amalgamation push.

"If the Change Commission came back and still had the same views and same outcomes the association will stand by the Change Commission's ruling,” secretary Amanda Harrold said.

TOUCH BASE: Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe met with members of the Granite Belt Community Association on Friday. Picture: Allan Reinikka

Mrs Harrold said council had nothing to lose by voting yes.

"It would be in their political interest if they did.

"I think the community as a whole would accept an independent review from the Change Commission.

"They will not accept council stopping this process.

"If council votes yes it does not mean de-amalgamation will go forward. But it's a step towards mending.”

- Matthew Purcell, Stanthorpe Border Post