Livingstone boundary change referred to Change Commission

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe has referred the proposed boundary change between the Livingstone Shire Council and Rockhampton Regional Council to the Local Government Change Commission.

Mr Hinchliffe said the Change Commission would assess the issue before providing the State Government with a recommendation on how to best settle the matter.
 
The proposed change involves the transfer of 1,170 properties in the suburbs of Glenlee, Rockyview and Glendale from Livingstone Shire into the Rockhampton local government area.
 
“Given this boundary dispute has been going on for five years, it’s in the best interests of ratepayers and the councils that the matter be referred to the Change Commission for review and assessment,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
 
“I have directed the Change Commission to consult with the councils and the affected communities to gauge the level of support and to consider the financial sustainability of both councils.

"This is a positive step forward, with Rockhampton and Livingstone councils agreeing on terms of reference.

"But let me make it clear the government is not pre-empting the outcome of the Change Commission's review.

"We need to let the commission do its job without speculating about the final outcome."

Mr Hinchliffe said subject to ongoing financial sustainability, both councils substantively support the proposal to change the boundaries.
 
“For any boundary changes to occur, they need to be supported by the affected residents and the local governments themselves,” he said.

“There also needs to be a detailed financial analysis that shows the change would result in financially sustainable councils.

“In addition, for major boundary changes the State Government will only consider a recommendation of the Change Commission after a successful referendum of all residents of the affected local government.”

The Change Commission will also advise on the timing of any change and on the number of councillors to represent each local government if the boundary is realigned.
 
Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548