Knox and Maroondah councils reject merger idea by Ratepayers Victoria
Knox and Maroondah mayors have rejected a call from Ratepayers Victoria to cut costs and merge the council areas. Do you think it’s a good idea? Have your say with our poll.
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A merger of Knox and Maroondah councils has been rejected, despite a call by Ratepayers Victoria to amalgamate.
The lobby group’s president Dean Hurley believes it’s time to reassess Victorian councils efficiency, cut costs and reduce rates by merging similar councils.
But mayors of both the outer east councils were not interested in the idea.
Maroondah Mayor Mike Symon said the council had not officially considered the idea, but he believed a merger would have a negative impact on decision making.
“We deal with local issues, and if you make the area too large you get problems getting your issue looked at,” Cr Symon said.
“What might suit Ringwood North might not suit Rowville.”
Knox Mayor Nicole Seymour said it had been made clear by Local Government Minister Adem Somyurek, mergers were not being considered by the State Government.
Cr Seymour said the council already worked collaboratively with other municipalities, including Maroondah, on common issues.
“As a council, we are continuously looking for ways to make savings to benefit our residents and ratepayers by improving the efficiency of our programs and services, while retaining their valuable local focus,” Cr Seymour said.
But Knox Ratepayers Group president Frank Sullivan — who is also Ratepayers Victoria vice president — agreed merging the two councils would be “a perfect mix”.
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“They are neighbouring councils and there are so many services they could join together and save millions of dollars on behalf of the ratepayer,” Mr Sullivan said.
“Councils don’t care at the moment because it’s not their money, it’s ratepayers money, and we have to change that culture.”
Mr Sullivan said Ratepayers Victoria had not discussed the merger with either council.