Federation Council has been urged to consider a review of its local government boundaries to address inconsistencies in the current lines, enhance economic efficiency and ensure a fair distribution of resources among residents.
This suggestion comes from an independent review led by Professor Joseph Drew and his team from the University of Newcastle, focusing on the council’s financial sustainability.
The team handed down a comprehensive set of 77 recommendations to council last month, which addressed the repercussions of the “ill-fated” 2016 amalgamation with Urana and the financial consequences that have persisted since then.
In the report, Professor Drew highlighted the presence of glaring inconsistencies, particularly in areas such as Rand, Oaklands, Boree Creek, and Morundah, which belong to more than one local government area.
Professor Drew expressed concern about the challenges faced by residents in these areas.
“It is difficult to understand how these residents might have their needs properly met when it is not clear which authority is responsible for meeting their needs,” he said.
The report also highlighted the inefficiency and inequity of economic spillovers, where residents use local government goods and services without contributing through taxation.
Professor Drew specifically cited the case of Howlong, questioning its inclusion in the former Corowa Shire, now part of Federation Council.
He labelled Howlong as a ‘bed-city’ with its residents conducting most of their business and work in Albury, foreseeing development growth consistent with Albury’s outlook.
“It is economically inefficient – and also plainly inequitable – for Howlong residents to mostly be using the roads and facilities of Albury but not pay local government taxation in that local government area,” he remarked.
The recommendations put forward by Professor Drew’s team also propose potential adjustments to the boundaries of Greater Hume, with the goal of alleviating the landlocked position inhibiting growth for Albury.
While acknowledging the potential risks and additional work for the council, Professor Drew stressed the importance of genuine consultation with residents and a competent inquiry into the economic inefficiency and inequity of the existing boundaries.
“This recommendation does not come without risk and potential additional work for council. However, if we seek a sustainable and economically efficient local government structure, then clearly the matter warrants serious consideration,” Professor Drew said.
Federation Council now faces a critical decision on whether to explore the recommended boundary changes to achieve a more equitable local government structure.