Bega Valley Shire Council is one only a handful of the 152 NSW councils that has not received an amalgamation recommendation from the Local Government Review Panel (LGRP), alongside its nearest local government neighbour Eurobodalla Shire Council.

Despite this, Member for Bega Andrew Constance believes it’s something the shires should think about as they prepare their compulsory Fit for the Future submissions, due in June 2015.

“The electorate of Bega spans the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla shires, with the TCorp report finding that Bega Valley Shire Council is in a healthier financial position compared to Eurobodalla,” he said.

“This package is not about forcing amalgamations but asking councils to look at their position and ensure they are giving rate payers the best facilities for the rates they pay.

“If amalgamation is a viable option, we want councils to consider it.

The LGRP has recommended that Bombala, Snowy River and Cooma-Monaro councils amalgamate into one under the new Rural Council structure.

Fit for the Future is offering substantial financial incentives for metropolitan amalgamations, starting at $10.5million for each newly merged council and $3million for an additional 50,000 residents above 250,000.

In regional areas, councils are being offered $5million for a two council merger, $11million for three and $13.5million for four.

Other reforms planned as part of Fit for the Future include redirection of Financial Assistance Grants to communities in need, mayoral terms of two years and clarification of the roles of mayors, councillors and general managers.

Outside of metropolitan centres, the government also wants to set up Joint Organisations to “provide a forum for local councils and the state to work together to deliver the things that matter most to communities”.

BVSC has been placed in the South East Joint Organisation boundary along with Eurobodalla, Bombala, Snowy River, Cooma-Monaro, Palerang and Queanbeyan. 

The government is calling for expressions of interest for four pilot groups of councils to test the Joint Organisation model.

BVSC general manager Leanne Barnes welcomed the Fit for the Future blueprint, but reiterated there were no plans to amalgamate with Eurobodalla.

“It’s a very timely and sensible response from the NSW Government to the Local Government Review,” Ms Barnes said.

“We now get the opportunity to review our operations and consult with our local community to develop our road map for the future.

Ms Barnes said Fit for the Future endorses the council’s current position and direction, and provides the tools to achieve long-term sustainability.

“We have received a welcome request from the State Government replicating to a degree what is already in motion,” Ms Barnes said.

“Throughout NSW, councils are being asked to look at their long-term viability and the State Government is providing the tools to do this effectively and with the community in mind.

“This is reassuring because it endorses and consolidates the actions we are about to commence through our upcoming resource strategy review.

“The review will deliver an updated Asset Management Plan, a Long Term Financial Plan, Workforce Strategy and a Service Review as the backbone to our self-assessment road map.

“We will also of course look at the best model for the future, although we are not a council listed for formal consideration of amalgamation it will be incumbent on us to hold discussions with neighbouring councils as part of the process to ensure the best model for the community is developed.

“The final road map will cover three key aspects – financial sustainability, effective delivery and management of infrastructure and services, and efficiency.

“Having State Government investment in council-developed road maps provides a solid footing for exploring the best path towards long-term sustainability in the sector.

“It’s pleasing to note the recent NSW Treasury assessment of our financial stability returning a positive result, placing us as strong and getting stronger.

“This places Bega Valley Shire Council in a good position to utilise the ‘Fit for the Future’ package. 

“We are committed to submitting our plan before June 30 next year.

"This will be independently reviewed in December and implementation will commence following the 2016 council elections,” Ms Barnes said.