The Hilltops Council and the State Government are at loggerheads over a shortfall in promised amalgamation transitional funding.
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The Council sought assurances from the Berejiklian State Government in 2017 that they would pay a $2.3m shortfall in funding to meet the transition costs for the amalgamated council.
Councillors now fear they will have to take funds from other projects to make up the difference between what the Government initially gave to amalgamate and the actual cost of the merger of three councils into one entity.
Mayor Ingram said he has made it clear to the Liberal National Party Government that the $5 million allocated to fund transition expenses has fallen well short of what’s needed.
“The last conversation I had with the Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton was a very short and terse one where she basically dismissed my concerns,” he said.
“But, the Deputy Premier has assured me that he and the Premier were taking care of these matters. I have still got faith with the man who gave me his word not once but twice in public.
“It is incomprehensible that the Government allocated $10 million for two councils to amalgamate in metro areas and only allocated $5 million for three to merge in a regional area.”
Councillor Tony Flanery asked for the Council to take a tougher line with the State Government.
“Perhaps we need to take some drastic action to hopefully get the Government’s attention,” he said.
“Maybe will have to use some restricted funds somewhere and let our constituents know that we have been forced to use it because of the State Government’s inaction.”
However, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was willing to stand up to the Minister and the Premier on this issue.
“This is unacceptable; the Hilltops Council has waited far too long,” Ms Cooke said.
“I have requested a meeting with Minister Gabrielle Upton and Premier Gladys Berejiklian at Parliament House next week, as soon as I return to Sydney, to get this sorted.”
Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party spokesman Cr Matt Stadtmiller said the State Government’s response is not good enough.
“The Government forced the amalgamation on us, and now they won't fund it properly,” he said.
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
