Download for our people, communities and businesses. Mission To

SUBMISSION TO: THE NSW GOVERNMENT APPOINTED DELEGATE
MS CHERYL THOMAS
RE: THE PROPOSAL TO AMALGAMATE MURRAY & WAKOOL SHIRE
COUNCILS
The Committee for Echuca Moama (C4EM) was formed in July 2011 and is a
member-based, self-funding, independent and apolitical organisation that brings
together a broad cross-section of Echuca Moama’s private, public and not-for
profit organisations across all sectors.
C4EM’s key role is to advocate for the issues and initiatives that will make Echuca
Moama a better place to live, work and play.
C4EM does not pursue a single vested interest. Rather, C4EM represents the
collective interests of the cross-section of businesses, community and other
stakeholder groups in the region. C4EM works with all levels of government, and
develops partnerships with key stakeholder groups, to achieve its vision and
mission.
Vision
Working for a more prosperous and vibrant Echuca Moama – for our people,
communities and businesses.
Mission
To advocate for and support initiatives that will make an enduring and positive
contribution to Echuca Moama’s economic prosperity, social and cultural cohesion
and environmental landscape.
C4EM is not opposed to the notion of shire amalgamations per se provided that
there is a clear demonstration of positive outcomes for all parties involved.
C4EM has does have some concerns across a number of the dot points listed and
promoted in the public inquiry advertisement. In this response however, we have
limited our submission points to two; the most crucial considerations we have
identified to date.
One of the key economic drivers of the Echuca Moama region is tourism. This
delivers some $400million tourist dollars into region annually offering long term
economic cohesion and sustainability.
This is a direct result of a strong collegiate commitment to a series of strategic
elements across a long period of time.
A well administered regional tourism association (and event promoters), strongly
supported by tourist operators and local government bodies, have been
instrumental in maintaining strong visitor numbers equally economic growth and
resilience even when considering less than optimal trading periods.
Local government plays an integral role in providing a sound base from which
these organizations flourish.
Should an amalgamated council not continue to provide this level of support, for
whatever reason, it would be hugely detrimental in maintaining Echuca Moama as
the premier destination on the Murray River.
Furthermore, considerable efforts and finances have been invested over the years
to promote Echuca Moama as a single entity. This initiative has provided Echuca
Moama an opportunity to develop those synergies that drive and facilitate
investment attraction (both public and private) far beyond that which it would
have otherwise. Our concern is that any diversion away from this successful
model, as a potential outcome of an amalgamated council, would have a
significantly negative impact on Echuca Moama including its people, businesses
and various communities.
In essence residents of Echuca Moama see the twin towns as one. Coincidentally
it happens to have a river, also being the state border, running through it.
Secondly, C4EM believes there needs to be full disclosure as to the financial
position of each Local Government Areas under the proposed amalgamation; the
Murray and Wakool Shires.
This aspect would reveal real and potential revenue streams, cash reserves and
debt levels but most importantly asset renewal exposure and recurring
infrastructure maintenance. As an example, some have stated the Wakool Shire
infrastructure profile is considerably different to that of the Murray Shire mainly
due to considerable investment and reliance on bridges.
Our concern and question on this matter is what consideration will the
amalgamated entity be given by the State of New South Wales to ensure the
transfer of these assets do not become an additional financial burden for current
Murray Shire ratepayers?
In closing we reiterate our position in relation to the proposed amalgamation.
Provided that it can be demonstrated that the ultimate amalgamation result will
result in a financially sound and attractive proposition for both parties, and
further that there is an agreed understanding that Moama’s close link with
Echuca is an imperative to the future wellbeing of the region and will remain, and
lastly that the Murray Shire is not disadvantaged because of inherent costs
associated with the maintenance of Wakool Shire’s aging infrastructure, then
within this context, C4EM would not, in principle, be opposed to the proposed
amalgamation between the two shires.
AS PRESENTED BY GEOFF KELLY- CHAIR C4EM ON TUESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2016
AT THE MOAMA BOWLING CL