Opposition takes side in CQ councils battle for the burbs

Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |

The Queensland Opposition has stepped in to a dispute between two local governments over control of suburbs north of Rockhampton.

Residents of Glenlee, Glendale and Rockyview are due to vote this month on whether to stay with Livingstone Shire or shift to Rockhampton Regional Council.

The LNP has launched a petition against changing the boundary, saying it would lead to significant rate rises.

Speaking in Rockhampton, shadow Local Government minister, Ann Leahy, said the boundary change is politically motivated.

“If this transfer went ahead, Livingstone Shire Council would be financially unviable. This sorry saga has already dragged on too long and must be stopped.”

The Opposition is encouraging people to sign an online petition to “save the Livingstone lifestyle”.

The petition claims the boundary change would lead to rate rises and reduced services.

But Rockhampton deputy Mayor, Neil Fisher, said the Opposition MPs who launched the petition yesterday should “hang their heads in shame”.

“Postal ballots are going to arrive in mail boxes in just two weeks and everyone in our region will get to have their say.

“To try and stop people having their say is disrespectful to both our local government areas and everyone in them.

“To do it on the doorstep of City Hall in Rockhampton was unprofessional. At no time did these shadow ministers reach out to us to get the Rockhampton region’s side of the story.”

The disputed suburbs originally belonged to Livingstone Shire, which formed in 1903.

They became part of the Rockhampton region when Queensland local governments were merged from 153 into 73 larger entities in 2008.

Livingstone Shire returned, and regained control of the three suburbs, when the LNP government de-amalgamated local councils in 2014.

In previous votes, residents of the three suburbs favoured returning to the Rockhampton region.

The Queensland Local Government Change Commission has been conducting a review of the boundaries.

Its financial assessment statement shows a potential negative financial impact for Livingstone Shire, which could lead to changes to rates and services.