URGENT UPDATE: An overwhelming 86% of residents in the Snowy Valleys Council voted in favor of de-amalgamating from the controversial merger that has affected their community since 2016. The referendum, held on November 29, 2023, has sparked a wave of optimism among locals who feel their voices have finally been heard.
This landmark decision signals not only a victory for local residents but also a powerful statement for rural Australia. The current mayor, Julia Ham, emphasized that the referendum result reflects the enduring “red, hot fury” over the past merger. She stated, “It sends a really strong message that people don’t like governments coming in and making decisions for them.”
In a historic turn of events, the referendum uncovered deep-seated frustrations. At one polling location in Rosewood, there were no dissenting votes, highlighting the community’s desire for change. The referendum cost approximately $403,000, with the council accountable for $180,000 of that total.
The demerger process is expected to take at least two years and will cost around $4.8 million. This funding will assist in employing a transition officer and setting up essential services for the newly formed councils. Mayor Ham acknowledged the challenges ahead but reassured residents that the move would ultimately lead to greater satisfaction in their local governance.
Former Tumbarumba mayor Ian Chaffey echoed these sentiments, stating that the demerger, nearly a decade in the making, sends a clear message to government officials about the needs and desires of rural Australians. He criticized the original merger as “structurally flawed from day one,” emphasizing that the perceived benefits were mere illusions.
The forced merger in 2016 occurred under the leadership of then-premier Mike Baird, a decision that many now view as misguided. Local MPs, including Justin Clancy and Joe McGirr, expressed their support for the outcome, indicating that it marks a new chapter for the community after years of disruption.
Clancy stated, “This outcome marks a new chapter following the hurt and disruption of the flawed merger.” He praised the efforts of the Save Tumbarumba Shire Action Group and local business organizations for their relentless advocacy.
The next steps will involve the current council drafting plans for the demerger, which must be presented to the Minister for Local Government by December 16, 2023. Following this, the governor will need to approve the formation of two separate councils before the transition can officially begin.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged as the demerger process unfolds, with hopes high for a brighter future in local governance. As Julia Ham put it, “Everyone wants this and they know it’s going to be tough, but people will be a lot more happier where they live.”
This decisive vote is not just about local governance; it represents a broader struggle for rural communities across Australia, challenging the status quo imposed by urban-centric decisions.
