Stronger Councils Stronger Communities

SNOWY REGIONAL Council

The newly proclaimed Snowy Monaro Regional Council contains a geographic area of 15,162 square kilometres and a population of 20,707 residents. WHAT YOU NEED TO Eleven Councillors will be elected next year on September 9, with these Councillors then to select a Mayor from among their ranks.

In the lead-up to the 2017 Council elections, an Administrator assisted by an Interim General Manager has been appointed to oversee the implementation of the a new KNOW ABOUT CHANGES Council.

The Administrator is the Mayor of the former Cooma-Monaro Council, Dean Lynch, while the former General Manager of Council, Mr Joseph Vesco, is the Interim General Manager. TO YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL The NSW Government will contribute $15 million from the Stronger Communities Fund towards long-awaited community projects, with the local community deciding where this money will be spent. Dear Resident, What has been The Snowy Monaro Regional Council will also receive $5 million to meet the administrative costs of streamlining their operations. Now that a decision has been made regarding local government in NSW, it is Unspent merger funds may be redirected into important community projects. important that we work together to achieve the benefits that I believe will come announced? from such significant and important reform. The Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, said the appointment of Mr Lynch as Administrator was based on “his strong experience in leading a Council with a strong reputation for service delivery. He will be an invaluable asset in ensuring the success Over the past five years as your local Member I have worked with local government NSW Premier Mike Baird of the new Snowy Monaro Regional Council.” and the broader community to deliver for this region. I believe my track record for and the Minister for Local delivery was confirmed at the last election. I will always put the best interest of More information about new Councils can be obtained by calling 1300 813 020. This service is available 24/7. Government Paul Toole the region first. have announced that Even though there are some critics of local government amalgamation in this 19 new Councils will be region, I know with all the information in front of me that this decision brings with it opportunity. I would never have signed up to local government reform if I didn’t created in NSW. believe that this region would be better off.

Yes there has been much commentary about reports and process that led to this Palerang and Queanbeyan final decision. The truth of the matter is that at best this was an educated and City Councils have merged informed estimate of what the benefits could be and that will only be proven in Queanbeyan- QUEANBEYAN-PALERANG REGIONAL Council time. to create Palerang Regional The newly proclaimed Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council contains a I am confident that by working together, by putting the community first and taking geographic area of 5,319 square kilometres and a population of 56,368 residents. Council and Bombala, politics out of local government reform, that this region will be better off. This is a decision that I am prepared to be judged at the 2019 election. Cooma- and Eleven Councillors will be elected next year on September 9, with these Councillors then to select a Mayor from among their ranks. Snowy River Shire Councils I’ve been honoured to represent the people of the Monaro. I know that by having a combined voiced this region will move forward and prosper as never seen before. have merged to create the In the lead-up to the 2017 Council elections, an Administrator assisted by an Interim General Manager has been appointed to oversee the implementation of the a new Snowy Monaro Regional This brochure is making sure that residents have all the correct Council. The Administrator is Mr Tim Overall while Mr Peter Tegart is the Interim information to take the myth and scare out of this decision. As Council General Manager. always my door is always open to talk about this issue and any other issues that affect you and your family. Mr Overall is the former Mayor of the former Queanbeyan Council, while Mr Tegart’s has extensive experience in senior management and local government. His previous appointments have included General Manager of the Bega Valley Shire Council and Deputy General Manager Eurobodalla Shire Council.

The NSW Government will contribute $10 million from the Stronger Communities Fund towards long-awaited community projects in the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council area, with the local community deciding where this money will be spent. John Barilaro MP The Council will also receive $5 million to meet the administrative costs of streamlining their operations. Unspent merger funds may Member for Monaro be redirected into important community projects. More information about new Councils can be obtained by calling 1300 813 020. This service is available 24/7. Stronger more efficient Councils will work harder for residents and deliver better services and infrastructure like roads, parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities.

Other new Council benefits include:

• Each new Council will receive up to $15 million to invest in community projects like junior sporting facilities, playgrounds and library or pool upgrades • Each new Council will receive up to $5 million to streamline administrative processes and cut red tape. (Unspent funds may be redirected to community projects) • Ratepayers in new Council areas will have their rates protected against future increases, meaning they will pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old Council for four years

2. Why is this happening? 5. What is the role of an Ratepayers and residents in Council areas under administration Impact on ratepayers will continue to enjoy the same services and protections offered The NSW Government has taken action to ensure Councils can administrator? and residents by their former Council. Below are series of frequent asked continue to deliver the services and infrastructure communities questions, along with answers: need now and in generations to come. Administrators have the same roles as the former Mayors and Councillors. They will also have a vital role to play in making the The decision to create new Councils follows four years of merger happen. 1. How do I pay my rates? Will Council’s 5. What happens to Council staff who extensive consultation with communities and Councils as well bank account details change? carry out these and other services? as independent research and analysis which found a compelling Payment of rates is made the same way All Council staff other than executive level case for reform. Doing nothing was not an option. 6. How were the as under the previous Council. Future rate officers will retain their jobs and carry out notices will inform local residents of any their day-to-day roles. Their jobs will be Administrators selected? potential changes. protected for a period of three years. In 3. How long will it be before towns with fewer than 5000 people, the Each of the administrators appointed has a strong 2. Will my rates increase? entire Council workforce will be retained. new Councils are up and understanding or background working in the local government The NSW Government’s rate protection sector. commitment means residents of the new 6. What happens to existing Councils Council will pay no more for their rates than and Councillors? running? they would have under their old Council for Administrators and interim general 7. What are the benefits of the next four years. managers have been appointed to each Nineteen new Councils have commenced. The Minister has new Council to oversee Council until new indicated his in-principle support to create a further nine new creating new Councils? 3. What will happen to Council services, elections are held. Former mayors and Councils, however the decisions will be subject to decisions of such as rubbish collection or meals on Councillors may be given the opportunity to the courts. There are many benefits for ratepayers and the broader wheels? help shape the future of the new Council by community including: It will be business as usual for residents. serving on Councillors’ committees. The delivery of key services, such as 4. Who will run the new • Savings of up to $2 billion rubbish collection or meals on wheels, will 7. When will we vote for new • Enhanced service delivery and infrastructure continue in the same way. Councillors? Councils between now and the • Fairer representation through more evenly distributed Elections for all new Councils will be held Councillor/population ratios 4. What will happen to Council facilities, on September 9, 2017. elections? • Each new Council will receive up to $15 million to invest such as the library or swimming pool? in community projects like junior sporting facilities, It will be business as usual for residents. An independent administrator appointed by the Minister for playgrounds and library or pool upgrades Council facilities will continue to operate Local Government, Paul Toole, with support from an Interim • Each new Council will receive up to $10 million to just as they have in the past. For example, General Manager, will lead the Council until elections are held streamline administrative processes and cut red tape. the library and pool will maintain their for mayors and Councillors on 9 September 2017. (Unspent funds may be redirected to community projects) regular opening hours and community halls • Ratepayers, in new Council areas, will have their rates can still be booked as usual. protected against future increases, meaning they will pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old Council for four years.