Residents of the Snowy Valleys Council have decisively voted to reverse a controversial council merger from 2016. In a referendum held on November 29, 2023, an overwhelming **86%** of participants opted for de-amalgamation, signaling a significant shift in local governance. This referendum seeks to reverse the decision made by the New South Wales government, led by then-Premier **Mike Baird**, to merge the **Tumbarumba** and **Tumut** councils.
At one polling location in **Rosewood**, the vote was unanimous, with no residents casting a ‘no’ ballot. This strong public sentiment reflects ongoing dissatisfaction with the forced merger, which has been described as “structurally flawed from day one” by former mayor **Ian Chaffey**. Current Snowy Valleys mayor **Julia Ham** emphasized that this result demonstrates the frustration residents still feel regarding government decisions impacting their communities.
Financial Implications and Future Steps
The referendum process incurred costs of **$403,000**, with the Snowy Valleys Council responsible for approximately **$180,000** of that amount. The entire demerger process is projected to cost **$4.8 million** and is expected to take a minimum of two years to complete. Mayor Ham noted that this significant vote sends a clear message: “People don’t like governments coming in and making decisions for them.”
She acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed optimism about the community’s future, stating, “Everyone wants this and they know it’s going to be tough.” The funds from the demerger will be allocated toward hiring a transition officer and establishing basic administrative functions for the new council, including IT and telephone services.
Chaffey highlighted the broader implications of the referendum, suggesting it serves as a “huge message” to the government about the treatment of rural communities. He criticized urban-centric policies that overlook the needs and perspectives of rural Australians, stating, “Rural communities matter and they hate being treated with what essentially in my opinion is ignorance.”
Political Reactions and Community Engagement
The referendum results have drawn attention from local politicians. **Justin Clancy**, the member of the Legislative Assembly for Albury, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating it marks a new chapter for the former Tumbarumba shire. He recognized the efforts of local advocacy groups, including the **Save Tumbarumba Shire Action Group** and the **Tumbarumba Chamber of Commerce**, for their tireless work in ensuring the community’s voice was heard.
As the council prepares to formalize the referendum results by **December 16, 2023**, the next steps involve presenting plans for the demerger to the Minister for Local Government. This will initiate the process of forming two separate councils, allowing local governance to better reflect the needs and desires of the community.
The overwhelming support for de-amalgamation underscores a significant moment for Snowy Valleys residents, illustrating the power of community engagement and the demand for representation that aligns with their local context and needs.
