West Tamar Council Concerned About the Damage Caused by City of Launceston’s Proposed Local Governme…

Tuesday, 3 May 2022

SUBJECT:

West Tamar Council Concerned About the Damage Caused by City of Launceston’s Proposed Local Government Board Review Submission

FROM:

Mayor Christina Holmdahl

DATE:

Tuesday 3rd May, 2022

The West Tamar Council is participating in the State Government’s Local Government Board Review which has an agreed scope and established road map that needs to be followed. One of the main aims of the review is to consider the roles and functions that should be delivered by local government in Tasmania.

The proposed submission by City of Launceston has the potential to distract everyone from this very important aspect of the review as it is being seen as a revenue grab without understanding the impacts this could have on the broader northern region. What Launceston has created is uncertainty for the 850 plus northern Tasmanian Council employees. Until the roles and functions of local government are better understood, it is premature to talk about boundary adjustments which shouldn’t be played out in the media at this early stage.

City of Launceston’s draft submission talks about the uniqueness of Launceston as a city. The reality is that they don’t have to compete with adjacent cities in being the main retail, professional, health and major events centre for the northern region, drawing people from neighbouring Councils and much further afield. Their spending puts money into Launceston’s facilities and businesses which is why they exist. This happens in every region and state across the country.

“Every region works on the basis of interdependence and our region is an excellent example of this,” Mayor Holmdahl said. “There is no doubt that people who live in the surrounding councils look to the City of Launceston for many things, however that is a two-way street in which City of Launceston also looks to its neighbours for sustainability and vibrancy. This is a normal and common situation, it’s the interdependence of the region.”

“Our council has a good understanding of the local area and contributes appropriately to the fabric, amenity and infrastructure of the West Tamar and the wider northern region by providing state level recreation facilities, modern community and health hubs, a regional standard museum and heritage centre, and numerous local facilities. Our council is not against reform, but any change needs to be substantiated and in the best interests of our residents and ratepayers.”