BALRANALD Shire Council remains suspicious that discussions
about the future direction of local governments will lead to amalgamation,
leaving some ratepayers without local government services.
The Local
Government Review Panel were in Deniliquin last week for consultation on the
recently released Future Directions paper, which among many recommendations
includes dramatic changes to governance structures.
Also suggested are a
number of amalgamations across the south-west of the state which involve the
creation of local boards and county councils.
The Panel heard Balranald
councillors’ concern over a proposal to leave the northern half of the council
area with no council and leave services to the State Government’s
responsibility.
Balranald Councillor Alan Purtill said most in the crowd —
including Murray, Deniliquin, Wakool, Conargo and Balranald councillors — were
dubious of the ideas presented.
For more on this story, see Friday’s edition of The Guardian (24/5/13).
