Childers to pursue de-amalgamation
A NEW committee will investigate the costs and benefits of Childers de-amalgamating from Bundaberg Regional Council, after a packed public meeting overwhelmingly backed the idea.
More than 400 people turned up for the meeting at the Isis Cultural Centre on Tuesday night, organised by the Childers Chamber of Commerce, and elected a 14-member committee led by former Isis Shire mayor Bill Trevor.
Member for Hinkler Paul Neville, who facilitated the meeting, said money and research would be needed to further investigate whether or not a split was feasible.
Local businessman Tom McArthur offered $15,000 to help the committee get started.
"We are a very friendly and self-sufficient community," Mr McArthur said.
"We want representation from people from the region. We're not a priority for people out of town."
Mr Trevor was unanimously supported to chair the effort.
"There are no efficiencies by having a council for our area in Bundaberg," he said.
"This is a passionate community, and with (this) decision, they've said that they want to make their own decisions."
The cost of the de-amalgamation was the key concern raised, as well as whether the assets contributed by the former Isis Shire would be returned if they were to split.
Community members also wanted to know if there was any kind of safeguarding against future decisions to force councils to amalgamate, and how their debts would be recalculated.
The committee will evaluate the costs and benefits and will also need to get signatures from 20% of the community on a petition.
Members will have to make a quick start, with a deadline of August 29 given by the State Government for complete submissions.
Relevant applicants will then be forwarded to the Boundaries Commissioner.
Communities who submit proposals that meet the approval of the State Government will then go to a referendum in early 2013, where they will need to secure more than 51% of the vote.
