Expert analysis of the former Isis Shire Council’s bid to split from Bundaberg Regional Council (BRC) has shown Isis would be financially distressed from day one. 

Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the same financial disciplines that had been applied to the other four areas that wanted to de-amalgamate clearly highlighted Isis Shire Council would not be viable and therefore would not proceed to a vote.

“While there’s no doubting the community’s passion, in the case of Isis the costs would be so severe and the council so distressed that a poll can’t be recommended,” he said.

“We have given communities every chance to have a say, including areas that would have increased costs and obvious challenges.

“This is not a reflection on those who put in the bid, or the council, but the reality is that five years after amalgamation the costs for such a small council was always going to be a challenge.”

For Isis, Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) found the cost to de-amalgamate would be $6,791,000 or an extra $1,054 per ratepayer in the first year.

There would also be ongoing costs of an extra $569 per ratepayer in the second year, rising every year thereafter.

Boundaries Commissioner Col Meng and QTC have spent the past two months working with proponents, stakeholders and BRC to work out all of the costs involved.

The Commissioner’s report included:

  • wages for a Mayor and Councillors
  • wages for council staff
  • cost of equipment and IT
  • cost of de-amalgamation to the remaining council
  • cost of conducting a referendum
  • ongoing costs, such as annual licencing fees and insurance

Mr Bennett said he understood the community would be disappointed but he was determined to get some good from this.

One of Mr Meng’s recommendations is for the existing BRC to move to an undivided basis at the 2016 elections to foster regional over divisional decision making; and greater emphasis on land-use planning, rates and charges, and tourism. 

“After closely examining each proposal, we know better than before what needs to be done to achieve a more representative, unified council area,” Mr Bennett said.

The Queensland Boundaries Commissioner reports on each area are at Boundaries reports or
http://www.dlg.qld.gov.au/bc/