WALCHA residents have sent a clear and defiant message to the state government that they want their council to continue alone.
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Upwards of 600 people were packed into, and spilled outside of, the Walcha Ex-Services Memorial Club, with around 60 speakers all putting forward an impassioned case against the proposed Tamworth merger.
Mayor Janelle Archdale questioned why population was the key figure in the proposal.
“We are financial, we are sustainable and we are efficient. Scale is arbitrary.
“Today Walcha is showing the power of people, yet we are told we fail because of a lack of people,” she said.
Cr Archdale also took the chance to address factors regarding community interest in Walcha, pointing to the state government’s 2010 review of local councils.
“Gabrielle Kibble was engaged by the then-Department of Local Government to review the local government service in New England area.
“In Ms Kibble’s final report she recommended a merger of Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra and Uralla.
“However, she reported that, and I quote, ‘given its unique community of interest factors and apparent long-term viability, it is considered that Walcha Council is best placed to deliver services to its community as a standalone entity’.
“Has anything changed since Ms Kibble’s findings in 2010? My word they have. In fact, things have greatly improved.”
Cr Archdale said any concerns regarding Walcha’s capacity should be alleviated by the ongoing work of the Namoi Joint Organisation.
“Any concerns with capacity are being met with the joint organisation structure. The benefits will only increase as the benefits of regional strategic planning and collaboration further evolve," she said.
Walcha Council general manager Jack O’Hara told the delegates predicted financial benefits were over-stated and outdated.
Former state and federal MP Tony Windsor addressed the audience and called on Tamworth Regional Council to show more support for neighbouring Walcha.
“There is a local solution to this. With the mayor of Tamworth Regional Council, Col Murray, here today, I call upon Col and the councillors from Tamworth,” Mr Windsor said.
“There’s an opportunity for you to solve this, to say to the local member and the minister that you’ve been to Walcha, you’ve heard the message and say we’d rather support them in standing alone.”
Boundaries Commission delegate Amanda Chadwick said the message from Walcha had been received clearly.
Ms Chadwick’s report to the minister is due on March 31 and will also be available to the public on that date.
Written submissions will be accepted up until February 28.