Hobart councillor pushes for Glenorchy merger to create new 'Council of Clark'
A proposed merger between Hobart and Glenorchy councils has divided local representatives, with claims it could either streamline services or blur community priorities.
The merging of the Hobart and Glenorchy city councils into the ‘City of Clark’ would deliver greater efficiency, savings, and a more responsive local government system according to a Hobart City Councillor.
A motion to merge the Hobart and Glenorchy City Councils will be put forward at the Monday night’s Hobart City Council meeting.
The proposal, brought forward by Alderman Marti Zucco, argues Tasmania’s local government system has become overly bureaucratic, with the amalgamation a “practical and community-focused pathway” to improved efficiency.
“Tasmania currently has 29 general managers, some earning as much as, or more than, the Prime Minister, along with an extensive second and third tier of senior management that continues to grow,” his motion reads.
“This duplication of bureaucracy is no longer fit for purpose.
“With a population of fewer than 600,000 people, it is unreasonable that Tasmania should continue operating under a governance model designed for a vastly different time.”
Glenorchy mayor Sue Hickey has previously supported council amalgamations, telling the Mercury in 2023 that the 29-council model was driving inefficiency.
“Considering this shared support across both councils, as well as recent discussion papers on local government report, there is an opportunity to commence preliminary discussions,” Mr Zucco’s motion read.
Mr Zucco maintained both councils would still be able to retain their individual identities.
But another Hobart Alderman Louise Bloomfield believes differently, saying there is “no logic” to a Hobart-Glenorchy merger given their differing rates, geography, planning approaches and “distinct social and economic characteristics.”
“These responsibilities cannot be merged without blurring priorities and reducing effectiveness,” she said.
“If structural reform is to be considered, alternatives should be evaluated on their merits.
“A Glenorchy-Derwent Valley pairing would reflect commuter patterns, shared economic characteristics and a more coherent regional identity.”
She also disputed that amalgamation would save money, arguing the existing workforce would still be required to provide services across both councils.
She added a larger council risked enabling a “political culture” centered on higher-office ambitions.
“Local government should not function as a political stepping stone, nor should amalgamation provide a larger platform for those seeking office,” she said.
The Future of Local Government Review’s final report – handed down in November 2023 – made 37 recommendations, including preparing the case for council mergers and expanding shared systems and services.
The state government accepted 36 of the recommendations either in full, in part or in principle, but reaffirmed there would be no forced merges.
Ms Hickey said while there were currently no plans or processes in place to pursue this merge, she agreed that “a good place to start is by having a conversation”.
“All local governments need to find ways to work together to achieve wins that benefit larger percentages of the population, not just the people that happen to live on this side of a road that separates two councils,” she said.
“Whether that is amalgamation … is really a matter for the public, but I will always stand up for improved decision-making and removing barriers to efficiencies and outcomes.”
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