Local councils have been blindsided by a State Government announcement that a plebiscite will be undertaken regarding the potential amalgamation of Mount Gambier City and Grant District councils.
As councils entered caretake mode, Premier Peter Malinauskas declared the State Government will introduce a bill to Parliament, with the aim of holding the plebiscite at the same time as local government elections in November.
However, both councils were only alerted to the announcement late on Monday afternoon.
“The question of amalgamating Mount Gambier and Grant councils has long been a matter of debate in the South East,” Premier Malinauskas said.
“The City of Mount Gambier is completely surrounded by Grant Council, which is often informally referred to as a ‘donut’ council.
“The growth of Mount Gambier has seen the city increasingly extend into Grant, strengthening the view among some these two councils constitute a single community, with shared interests.
“A large number of people in the Grant council’s boundaries are reliant on Mount Gambier council’s services.”
Premier Malinauskas said, under existing law, the SA Local Government Boundaries Commission must undertake an inquiry into the merits of a proposed council amalgamation.
“The State Government has decided holding a plebiscite to determine the level of community support for an amalgamation, before an inquiry, is a prudent first step,” he said.
“Holding the plebiscite at the same time as local council elections will minimise the cost and maximise participation.
“The ballot paper would be included in the ballot pack mailed to electors in the two councils.
“This will be an opportunity for the people of the South East to have their say about the future of their community.
“In my numerous visits to the Limestone Coast as Labor Leader, including the recent Country Cabinet, this issue was repeatedly raised.
“I said I’d listen and respond, and this is evidence of that.
“But ultimately, this question will be in the hands of the people of the South East and holding this plebiscite at the same time as local government elections will minimise the cost and maximise participation.”
Grant Mayor Richard Sage, who has been a councillor for 24 years, with the last 13 as mayor, said he was very disappointed with the news the State Government was looking into amalgamations.
“It is very disappointing the Premier has decided to do it this way without even contacting council before the announcement,” Mayor Sage said.
“It’s imperative that our ratepayers have their say if it does go ahead.
“The thing that is really disappointing, why would Grant District Council ratepayers want to pay off the debt that City Council has now gone into for the hub, the announcement they made Monday has really put a line in the sand they are in debt and they need assistance going forward.
“It’s imperative that people do vote, they need to have their say now, if we get enough of our numbers across the line now to say we do not want to amalgamate and do not want to take on the debt of City Council and want to be retained as a single council entity, that’s the end of the story going on what the Premier has said.”
Mount Gambier City Council issued a statement regarding the proposed plebiscite.
“The proposed plebiscite with regards to council amalgamation at the upcoming November Local Government Election is an initiative of the South Australian Government,” the statement said.
“The City of Mount Gambier will engage constructively throughout the process.
“The City of Mount Gambier is of the understanding the plebiscite is only the first step.
“If voters are in favour of exploring amalgamations, we understand the government intends the Local Government Boundaries Commission would start community consultation.
“At the same time, the SA Productivity Commission would assess the economic benefits of the merged council.
“Council is awaiting further information on the processes to be followed throughout the ballot process.”
Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell encouraged ratepayers to have their say in the plebiscite.
“Ultimately, it’s up to our community to decide if it’s right for our region and the ballot question simply asks if ratepayers think an investigation into a merger has merit,” he said.
“Even if the ballot shows a majority of ratepayers support the investigation, there’s two other important steps before any formal mergers can progress.
“The State’s Productivity Commission and Local Government Boundaries Commission have to independently assess both councils and conduct extensive community consultation following a vote.
“I do not support forced amalgamations, however I do support growth, development and opportunities for our region.”
