18th September 2007
The Queensland Coalition has urged all affected councils to take up the
Federal offer of polls on amalgamations.
Coalition Leader Jeff Seeney said legislation passed in the Senate in
Canberra last night cleared the way for the polls to be conducted by the
Electoral Commission at no cost to local councils.
“This is about giving local residents their democratic right to decide
on council amalgamations that have been unfairly forced on communities
by the Bligh government,” Mr Seeney said.
“I applaud the quick actions of the Federal government to provide
Queensland communities with the opportunity to have their say on forced
amalgamations.
“Local communities have been arrogantly ignored by Peter Beattie and
Anna Bligh and now the future of our communities has been put in the
hands of un-elected union delegates to do the bidding of the ALP.
“But thanks to John Howard they now have the opportunity to have their
voice heard and I urge all councils to conduct polls as soon as
possible.
“I urge all residents who are concerned about the bloody-minded approach
of the Labor government to send the strongest possible message to the
new Premier ….and let’s hope she listens.”
Mr Seeney re-confirmed that a State Coalition government would allow
communities to de-amalgamate and return to their original council areas
where the majority so desired.
“This fight is at the very grassroots of democratic process and I urge
every affected council to allow their residents to have voices heard.”
Media Contact – Jeff Popp 0438 153 857