Shire asks state to end review of disputed suburbs as vote opens
Richard Dinnen - Queensland Editor |
Livingstone Shire Council, in central Queensland, wants the State Government to end a review of who controls three suburbs claimed by southern neighbour, Rockhampton Regional Council.
The call comes as the Queensland Electoral Commission begins a voluntary poll to find out if residents of Glenlee, Glendale, and Rockyview want to stay with Livingstone Shire or return to Rockhampton.
Livingstone Mayor, Andy Ireland, has written to Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, saying Council does not support further consideration of a boundary change.
“The transfer is irresponsible, contrary to current government policy, and completely unnecessary.
“The Queensland Treasury Corporation has confirmed the proposed change will be significantly damaging to Livingstone’s future financial position.
“I implore the Deputy Premier to put an end to this review at the earliest opportunity.”
The disputed suburbs originally belonged to Livingstone Shire, which formed in 1903. They became part of the Rockhampton region after the merger of 153 councils into 73 larger entities in 2008.
Livingstone Shire returned, and regained control of the three suburbs, when local councils were de-amalgamated in 2014.
The two councils have had a spirited public debate in recent months, joined lately by the Queensland Opposition. There have been claims of land grabs, rate rises, and attempts to silence the voice of local residents.
Rockhampton Mayor, Tony Williams, said the issue should be decided by the poll, calling it a choice that will shape the community for decades to come.
“Residents in the suburbs have asked time and time again to come home to the Rockhampton Region, and time and time again they have been ignored.
“It is our chance now to really listen to what the residents want and to make their wishes come true.
“We have a plan to invest in and grow these areas, to provide critical infrastructure and services, while still protecting the rural character of these three suburbs.”
But Livingstone Mayor Ireland has urged residents to question promises of development.
“Do you trust Rockhampton Regional Council to do what they say they will in terms of service and future development?
“Residents choose to live in these suburbs because they seek a larger lot, more of a rural lifestyle, and they are not necessarily pursuing a coastal location.”
Many residents of the suburbs work in or are socially connected to Rockhampton, and previous votes favoured a return of control to Rockhampton Council.
The Electoral Commission postal survey begins today and ends on July 14. The survey opens online on June 20 and continues until July 4.
