Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard council open to merging as part of local government reform

A new “North-West” council could be on the cards after two municipalities that would be part of it reveal their position on a merger. How it could happen.

A Sign beside the highway at Smithton in North West Tasmania. Spy file pics

Both the Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard councils are open to becoming one.

The Future of Local Government Board’s (FLGB) final report recommended that the two councils merge to become the “North-West” municipality.

The same report also suggested that parts of the Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard be incorporated into the West Coast Council.

The West Coast Council said it supported the boundary changes represented in the FLGB final report.

Circular Head Mayor Gerard Blizzard said it would consider merging with Waratah-Wynyard.

New Waratah-Wynyard mayor, Mary Duniam. Pic: Jonno Duniam

“We’ve had ongoing discussions and continue to support and put some things through responses to the government to make the changes palatable to our community,” Mr Blizzard said.

“We’re open to anything that will be the best for our community in the long-term, not just the short-term.”

Mr Blizzard said the possibility of merging had divided the Circular Head community.

“A lot of the people I’ve talked to can see the benefits of it. But there’s another group that is very much emotionally Circular Head who won’t see that.

“I found it very hard in the early stages myself because I’m a fifth generation on one side of my family and fourth generation on another that has been in Circular Head, so I’ve got a bond to the area that goes deep and wide.

“To actually take that emotion out and look at it pragmatically was the first hard decision and position I had to take.”

In its FLGB submission, Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Mary Duniam said merging with Circular Head was preferred if it had to amalgamate.

“There remains an appetite for the council to explore further strengthening relationships with Circular Head Council if the reform does not result in any meaningful and timely action,” Dr Duniam said.

“Waratah-Wynyard Council is open to exploring and discussing all structural reform

options and welcomes changes that result in positive outcomes for the Waratah-Wynyard community, including ensuring that service levels are maintained, local representation is maintained, and the financial status of the community is strengthened.”