Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) is continuing to seek input from the community about the possible de-amalgamation of the local government area.

Around 25 people joined SVC Interim General Manager, Steven Pinnuck, and Councillors Trina Thomson, Hugh Packard, David Sheldon and John Larter in Tumut last Tuesday to learn more about council’s de-amalgamation Implementation Plan (DPI) and Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP).

The session covered key topics including:-

• Financial sustainability scenarios for the existing Snowy Valleys Council (SVC).
• Projected finances for the two proposed new councils – Tumut Region and Tumbarumba Region.
• Differences in proposed Special Rate Variations between the two new councils and SVC.
• Plans for dividing council equipment and resources in the event of de-amalgamation.
• Opportunities for shared services between the two new councils.
• The de-amalgamation process including the referendum requirements and outcomes needed.

Mr Pinnuck said the attendees were engaged, raising insightful questions about the topics.

“I’d like to thank those who attended and encourage everyone to review the deamalgamation documents to understand what the future may hold,” he said.

Community meetings have also been held in Khancoban, Tumbarumba and Talbingo over the past week.

The de-amalgamation plans are on public exhibition until 31 January 2025 and all feedback will be shared with the Boundaries Commission and presented to council in February.

For more information or to provide feedback on the DPI and FSP, visit www.svc.nsw.gov.au/deamalgamation.  

This article appeared in the  Corryong Courier, 23 January 2025.