Download the STCA Annual Report 2011-2012

Download the STCA Annual Plan 2011/12

Media Release

The Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority (STCA), has received the final report of the Independent Panel looking into future options for Local Government in Southern Tasmania.

“The STCA Board sees the recommendations in this report as a starting point for a discussion with elected members of the 12 Councils and the community of Southern Tasmania about the future of Local Government in our region.” said Damon Thomas, newly appointed Chair of the STCA.

“If local government is to change it needs to do so for the right reasons, that benefit the region and the people who live and visit here.” he said.

“Elected members know that there are many people in our communities that are concerned with the rising cost of living. Arguments based on reductions in costs, including reducing council rates, are often very compelling when people are doing it tough. People want value for money for their rates. This is an important consideration for councils, but not the only one if we are going to change the structure of local government in Southern Tasmania.”

“The Independent Panel’s Report gives us a series of recommendations that challenge us to build a stronger local government, with more accountability and more sustainability, while recognising the critical and complex role that local governments play in our communities.” said Alderman Thomas.

The report has recommended the creation of a Greater Hobart, bringing together the urban areas of Hobart, Glenorchy, Clarence, Brighton and Kingborough. It also recognises the different role that urban and rural councils play in their communities. It clearly recognises the interdependent relationship between the smaller, rural councils and the urban centre.

The panel has also made recommendations about full council elections every four years, compulsory voting and a removal of the requirement for mayors to have previously served in local government.

“The Independent Panel did not just look at the issue of Council amalgamation, it looked at how to make a better local government in Southern Tasmania. It looked at governance issues, the issue of the skills of elected members and community engagement. There are a lot of things in this report for elected members to discuss with their councils, their communities and with each other.” said Ald Thomas.

Media Release

At the Annual General Meeting of the Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority (STCA), Damon Thomas, Lord Mayor of Hobart, was appointed as the new Chairman replacing outgoing Chairman Alderman Rob Valentine.

Tony Bisdee, Mayor of Southern Midlands, was appointed as Deputy Chairman, replacing the outgoing Deputy Alderman Jock Campbell.

“The Board would very much like to express their thanks to both Ald Rob Valentine and Ald Jock Campbell for the time and effort they put into the STCA.” said Ald Damon Thomas.

“The STCA has made significant progress on some key issues over the last few years, including the development of the Southern Regional Land Use Strategy and the Southern Integrated Transport Plan.” said Ald Damon Thomas.

“The STCA is currently working with the councils on major regional issues such as the future structure of local government in the region, adaptation to the impacts of climate change on the region, economic development and a study of industrial land use in the region. We are also continuing to implement the Southern Weed Strategy, and continuing to pursue cost saving measures such as region-wide purchasing for the 12 southern Councils.” said Ald Thomas.

“Southern Tasmania is confronting some real challenges in the future. It is my aim, as the in-coming Chair of the STCA, to ensure that the STCA continues to work with the 12 Councils to support the continuing upgrades to the Midlands Highway and the Bridgewater Bridge and to pursue improvements to critical tourism infrastructure such as the Arthur Highway and the Highland Lakes Road.

“We will also continue to advocate for improvements in critical areas such as public transport, the development of our Antarctic Gateway and improvements in the arrangements for water and sewerage delivery in the region.

“The Board also recognises the need to ensure that Local Government can continue to be a strong, vibrant and relevant sphere of government that remains accessible to our communities and we will therefore continue our conversation with the community over the best way for local government to structure itself to meet those future challenges.”

For further information please contact:
Alderman Damon Thomas

Mobile: 0419 355 115