About councils
De-amalgamation
During 2008 in a historic move by a Bligh Government looking to cut costs and unite regional economies, the number of Queensland councils was more than halved. As 157 councils became 73, regions that were once distant neighbours became extended family.
As with many forced family unions, the reaction was less than acrimonious in some quarters. The ‘Free Noosa' and the ‘Capricorn Coast Independence Movement' were among a number of dedicated campaigns which sprung up out of communities resentful of the lack of consultation on an issue which directly impacted their own backyards.
Four years later, their concerns were registered.
With the onset of the 2012 State election campaign, the Queensland Liberal National party made it clear that they supported the rights of communities to determine their own future as an independent local government area. The Newman Government's election promise to give councils a vote to reverse the 2008 decision to amalgamate proved overwhelmingly popular.
In 2013, the former Noosa, Douglas, Livingstone and Mareeba shires were given the opportunity to vote to de-amalgamate their councils. All voted to have their councils re-instated by the start of next year, under old shire boundaries.
Local Government Minister David Crisafulli has recently released the regulations and named the four figureheads set to guide the de-amalgamation of four Queensland councils.
Peter Franks, Graeme Kanofski, Rod Ferguson and Jeff Tate have been named as the experienced local government figures who will guide the transition of the new councils of Noosa, Livingstone, Mareeba and Douglas respectively.
The road to final de-amalgamation will be challenging at times. In response, LGAQ is committed to supporting the newly re-established councils, and the de-amalgamating councils during this period.