Bega Valley Shire Council has voted to support a merger with Bombala Shire, but has laid out a number of funding conditions for major Bombala projects as well as requesting shire funds and assets be retained for the use of each shire separately.
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The move follows the Fit for the Future review of local government and pressure from the state government for councils, even those classed as fit, to consider merging with neighbouring councils classed as not fit.
A merged entity would receive $5million for infrastructure projects and $5million to help with the merger.
The vote was not unanimous, with concern expressed over Bombala’s infrastructure and asset management, particularly roads, bridges, water and sewerage.
Bombala Shire Council will vote Tuesday and if it also supports the merger, which is widely expected given Mayor Bob Stewart’s recent comments about wanting to merge with Bega Valley, the state government will be informed and is expected to make an announcement about the Fit for the Future deliberations in December.
The vote at Bega Valley follows meetings last week in Sydney between the general managers and mayors of both shires, Member for Bega Andrew Constance, Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Local Government Minister Paul Toole.
Mayor Michael Britten warned that council could not “stick its head in the sand” and needed to be proactive on the subject of mergers.