'Tribal' de-amalgamation mentality could 'sell us short'

'We are vulnerable and at risk of becoming fragmented and divided. We are so quick to tear down what can take years to rebuild.'

Close to 200 people attended a Granite Belt Community Association's meeting to discuss their report and all the financial implications of de-amalgamation. Picture: Matthew Purcell

On Tuesday night, I attended the de-amalgamation workshop in Warwick.

Following the balanced and objective presentation by Greg Hoffman, much of the open forum was parochial, partisan and polarising.

The mood, tone and language was divisive and threatening. I have long worked in both communities and I feel part of them both - we have always been close and supportive neighbours.

Warwick and Stanthorpe are "beautifully complementary" as former Mayor Ron Bellingham eloquently put it, although each is quite unique culturally.

Some may have an open mind about de-amalgamation, perhaps waiting on advice from Queensland Treasury.

But we need to trust the process that we have been given.

It was therefore disappointing to hear the Reverend Alan Collyer declaim that "de-amalgamation would never go away" whatever the umpire's decision.

Have we become tribal?

We have chosen division over dialogue; we have built a wall rather than a bridge; we are selling ourselves short.

I am saddened by what has brought us to this point. It is concerning that we are so quick to tear down what can take years to rebuild.

We face difficult and complex times globally, nationally and regionally (the economy, the environment and governance in general).

Well over 200 people attended last night's de-amalgamation 'workshop'. Picture: Matthew Purcell

Many problems can no longer be addressed at a local level; we have to see the bigger picture. We need to work together as one humanity, one planet, one community; there is no Planet B for us to escape.

Small communities struggle to be sustainable however much community spirit we have. We are vulnerable and at risk of becoming fragmented and divided.

Identity politics should have no place in our civic life and in this consultation.

Is this who we have become?

Are we not better than this?

Is it worth tearing ourselves apart like this?

Is de-amalgamation really the answer we are looking for? Can we not be there for one another?

Can we not learn to collaborate, come together and truly consult in a mature way?

What legacy are we passing on to our children and the future generations who will live here?

　

Originally published as 'Tribal' de-amalgamation mentality could 'sell us short'