Council Mergers

In 2016 the Baird Government took away the democratic rights of communities by forcing council amalgamations across the State. Since that time, most of the amalgamated councils in New South Wales, especially in the regions, have failed to deliver the promised savings and efficiencies. One of the worst examples is the merger of Tumbarumba and Tumut councils into the Snowy Valleys Council, an issue I have been campaigning on since 2018.

The Snowy Valleys community has never given up hope of having their council demerged into the old model of separate councils for Tumut and Tumbarumba – and neither have I.

It continues to be a long, hard road but important progress was made in May 2024 when, after strong advocacy by me and others, the parliament passed legislation that creates a pathway towards de-amalgamation taking place.

There is still much to do but I’ll continue to work closely with council, the government and the community to get the result that people want.