TALK of any amalgamation between Bega Valley Shire and Bombala councils is premature says Mayor Michael Britten.
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Cr Britten confirmed he had met with his Bombala counterpart Bob Stewart for discussions, but it is unlikely any merger will occur in the immediate future.
Every council in NSW was been evaluated for amalgamation by the NSW Office of Local Government as the precursor to the State Government's Fit for the Future reforms.
Rated highly for its financial health, Bega Valley Shire Council was one of the few councils in NSW not recommended for amalgamation.
Bombala, a small shire of 2000 people, was recommended to merge with either Cooma or Snowy River, or join a large Rural Council.
“We have had discussions with Bombala recently and we looked at their situation,” Cr Britten said.
“The panel recommendations were for Bombala to merge or be part of a Rural Council, and most councillors at Bombala are looking at Cooma or Snowy Mountains.
“However, some of the younger councillors there are keen on the Bega Valley Shire as a merger partner.
“We do already cooperate with Bombala council, we send up health inspectors and other staff, and the offer of help is always there, however we need to look at what is best for Bega.
“The offer of help is always there, and we continue to strive to improve economic links between the shires.
“Although it’s a small shire Bombala council is on a good financial footing.
“Bombala has more economic and geographical links with other Tablelands councils or with Snowy and Cooma and that is probably where it will look for its amalgamation options,” he said.
“We will continue to meet with other councils and explore our options, but as we work towards submitting our Fit for the Future proposal in June 2015 we will be putting what is best for Bega Valley Shire first,” he said.