Glamorgan Spring Bay Council votes to not take part in a review of possible mergers

THE Glamorgan Spring Bay Council has effectively shut the door on amalgamations after rejecting a Local Government Board review into merger options.

THE  Glamorgan Spring Bay Council has effectively shut the door on amalgamations after last night rejecting a Local Government Board review into merger options.

Despite a council survey showing 76 per cent of residents supported voluntary amalgamation, with most in support of a merger with Tasman, Sorell and Clarence councils, a motion not to proceed with a review carried 7-1.

Local Government Minister Peter Gutwein will now be informed of the decision, which comes a month after Clarence also decided not to pursue mergers.

Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor Michael Kent.

Glamorgan spent $32,000 of ratepayer money on the amalgamation process but division between councillors on amalgamation has been rife.

That divide continued last night and Mayor Michael Kent, who voted against the motion, said he did not understand why the council would not seek a better understanding of amalgamations through such a review.

“The recommendations [from the board] would have come back to council,” he said.

“Basically, that’s closed the book on it [amalgamations].”

However, Deputy Mayor Cheryl Arnol said the only part that seemed voluntary was to enter the board process.

“The board may well recommend no amalgamations, but are we prepared to take that risk?” she said.

The decision came despite a Bicheno Community Development Association petition with 300 signatures asking councillors to vote yes on requesting the review.

Before the meeting seven councillors — including Cr Arnol, Jenifer Crawford, Michael Fama, Richard Parker, Britt Steiner, Debbie Wisby and Jenny Woods — had sent an unofficial survey to residents and ratepayers asking if they supported an amalgamation with Sorell and Tasman councils.

In the survey, the councillors said they were concerned about the lack of information on the impact amalgamation would have on the local economy, employment, services and rates.