The Case for De-amalgamation

The Case for De-amalgamation: Re-establishing Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River Shires - By Chris Chan

Introduction
The forced amalgamation of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River Shires into the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) in 2016 was driven by promises of cost savings, improved services, and streamlined governance. However, nearly a decade later, the results paint a different picture.

This document outlines the case for demerging the SMRC and re-establishing the three former shires as independent entities. The goal is to highlight the economic, social, and governance benefits of returning to the previous structure.

Financial Disparity and Decline
Before amalgamation:

• Bombala Shire had over $5 million in unrestricted cash reserves.

• Snowy River Shire also held over $5 million in reserves.

• Cooma-Monaro Shire had more sound finances and manageable liabilities.

Today, the consolidated council struggles to maintain even $50,000 in unrestricted reserves. Despite promises of financial efficiency, the amalgamation has resulted in ballooning operational costs, increased employee salaries, and unnecessary vanity projects, leaving the council financially unstable.

Local Representation and Decision Making
Cooma, as the administrative center, naturally draws more attention and resources, often at the expense of Bombala, Jindabyne, and smaller towns across the region. This imbalance is exemplified by projects like the new Cooma Sports Center, which cost over $10 million to build and requires nearly $1 million annually to maintain (2023/24 Budget Details: Net Cost to Council: -$806,004).

The rates collected from communities outside Cooma are redirected to support the upkeep of this facility, which primarily serves Cooma residents. This siphoning of resources leaves smaller towns underfunded and without essential services or infrastructure improvements, reinforcing the disparity between Cooma and the outer regions.

• Cooma, as the administrative center, naturally commands more attention and resources, often at the expense of Bombala and Jindabyne and the smaller towns.

• Councillors from Snowy River and Bombala and the smaller towns are frequently outvoted by the larger Cooma voting bloc.

Re-establishing the three former shires would allow each region to have governance that prioritizes local needs and aspirations.

Loss of Regional Identity
The unique identities and priorities of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River Shires have been overshadowed by a one-size-fits-all governance approach.

• Bombala’s focus on agriculture and timber industries is vastly different from Snowy River’s tourism and alpine management priorities.

• Cooma’s administrative and commercial needs differ from the seasonal fluctuations faced by Jindabyne and Thredbo.

Demerger would allow for governance structures that are more attuned to the economic and social drivers of each community.

Service Delivery and Infrastructure
Since amalgamation:

• Road maintenance and essential infrastructure projects have been inconsistently and poorly managed.

• Rural areas outside Cooma have reported deteriorating roads, reduced services, and fewer upgrades.

• Communities like Bombala and Jindabyne have seen project delays and underfunding compared to Cooma.

Returning to independent shires would enable councils to prioritize local infrastructure projects based on need rather than political influence.

Governance and Accountability
The amalgamated council has struggled with governance issues, including:

• Transparency concerns and limited public accountability.

• Poor financial management and resource allocation.

• A disconnect between council leadership and community concerns.

Demerger would provide an opportunity to rebuild councils with greater local accountability and responsiveness to their respective communities.

Community Support and Political Feasibility
Grassroots support for demerger is strong across all three former shires.

• Public forums and surveys consistently highlight dissatisfaction with the current council structure.

• Independent councillors, including Cr Bob Stewart, Cr Reuben Rose, Cr Andrew Thaler, and Cr Luke Williamson have championed the cause for demerger, reflecting growing public sentiment.

The Snowy Valleys Council’s progress towards demerger offers a blueprint for how the process can be achieved if political will aligns with community advocacy.

Conclusion
The amalgamation of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River Shires into the SMRC has not delivered the benefits that were promised. Financial strain, inefficiencies, lack of local representation, and deteriorating services highlight the need for structural change.

Demerger is not just a desire – it is a necessity for the long-term viability and prosperity of Bombala, Snowy River, and Cooma-Monaro. Re-establishing independent shires would restore financial health, local accountability, and community-driven governance.

Next Steps:

• Engage with local communities to inform and build widespread support.

• Lobby local and state government representatives to push for a demerger.

• Support the Independent candidates who are fighting for change. Let the incumbents know that better local representation is essential. Attend the upcoming council meeting on Monday and make your voice heard. Show the OLG that their interference in local council matters is not welcome. State politicking should stay out of local governance. If the Labor-run OLG can silence specific candidates, they can control the narrative before motions are even put forward.

By working together, the people of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro, and Snowy River can reclaim control of their future and ensure that local governance reflects the unique needs of each region.