Survey prefers ‘power of one’

Findings of a recent shire-wide survey found 70 per cent of respondents supported the council submitting a standalone option to the NSW government which is assessing the viability of local government areas.

Also, 46 per cent of respondents saw amalgamations as a threat and if a merger had to occur, those who responded to the survey favoured joining with a smaller council such as Urana.

The survey was conducted last month and the findings will be tabled at today’s council meeting.

More than 280 people completed the survey after a combined 177 people attended public meetings in Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala.

The majority of respondents resided in Corowa (42.5 per cent) followed by Howlong (23.05) and Mulwala (18.9).

Corowa has been the most pro-active council in seeking a merger but the likelihood of any amalgamations taking place in southern NSW without government intervention is fading fast.

Urana Shire has re-affirmed its desire to also remain standalone.

Mayor Pat Bourke said a forced merger case would significantly reduce resident representation.

“Let’s be clear, insufficient funds for assets in the long term, does not mean we are broke,” he said.

“Our financial position is sound. It’s more a question of how we can afford to keep our assets going in the future.”

Greater Hume Shire is also committed to remaining a standalone.

But mayor Heather Wilton said the council understood the government’s message about “no change was not an option”.

“Despite significant challenges faced following the 2004 amalgamation, council has since built a strong record of achievement,” Cr Wilton said.