Welcome to Are Amalgamations The Answer ?

Welcome to

Are AmalgamationsThe Answer?

With thanks to our Conference sponsors:

Conference Chairperson

Steve JarronDirectorLG Global Innovation

Apology

"I can advise that the Local Government Review has been completed and is being considered by the Government and none of the Panel Members, Jude Munro, Glen Inglis or Professor Graham Sansom can attend this forum" Vaughan Macdonald | Project ManagerIndependent Local Government Review PanelC/- Locked Bag 3015, Nowra NSW 2541e: [email protected]: www.localgovernmentreview.nsw.gov.au p: 4428 4179 | m: 0400 455 067

Statement from Graham Sansom

"Apologies that I cannot attend your event and participate in theQ&A Session.

I cannot attend as our report is with the NSW government awaiting consideration byCabinet. In the circumstances I don't want to get into a public debate about the meritsof what we have or haven't recommended and what the government should orshouldn't do.

I would emphasise, however, that the Review Panel never suggested that amalgamations are 'the answer', simply that they should be part of a package. So I sincerely hope your Forum doesn't debate the wrong question!"

Graham SansomAdjunct Professor, UTS Centre for Local Government

Recent Queensland Amalgamations

Steve JarronDirectorLG Global Innovation

Local Government Myths & Realities

Prof. Percy AllenResearch DirectorReview Today

10.30am – 11.00am

Networking and Break

Review Today

Bob GaussenDirectorReview Today

Amalgamations are the Wrong Path!

Professor Brian DolleryHead of Local Government Research and StudiesUniversity of New England

Amalgamations are the Wrong Path!

Professor Brian DolleryHead of Local Government Research and StudiesUniversity of New England

Innovate not Amalgamate!

Ron PalmerPresidentInternational Local Government Innovation Network

12.00pm – 1.30pm

Lunch and Networking

Hon. Sophie Cotsis MLC

Hon. Sophie Cotsis MLCShadow Minister for Local Government, Housing and the Status of Women

Q & A Preparation

Each group to prepare five questions for panel members

2.15pm – 2.45pm

Networking and Break

Q & A Panel Moderator

Grant Goldman2SM and Super Radio Network Presenter

Q & A Panel Session

Grant Goldman

Hon. Sophie Cotsis

Prof. Percy Allen

Ron Palmer

Bob Gaussen

Panel Questions

Conference Summary and Close

4.00pm – 5.15pmPost-conference Networking Drinks

Redcliffe Lament – Colin Hewett

Redcliffe was a City, and a dammed fine one at thatalong came Peter Beattie, who put an end, to 'that'Amalgamation followed, amidst our plaintive criesand Redcliffe's once proud city, was doomed to fail and die.The Community lost its voice, our identity stolen awayBut the LNP promised us the choice, to 'Let the people have their say'We voted in a member, to carry our banner highAlas The Phantom stumbled, and left us high and dryOur foreshores look so pretty, but the district goes to wasteThe businesses are suffering, an eerie ghost town in their placeThe water rates are massive, they come through pipes of goldNow people take out bank loans, just to shower, or so I have been told.Our council has removed itself, to places far awayIt wastes our money foolishly, massive debt is their new wayThis story is far from over, the people's voices rise once moreWe're going to dump this sorry mess at the Government's doorWe will reclaim our fair City, and its place in historyA place where good people live, a place, for you and me.

With thanks to our Conference sponsors:

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Are AmalgamationsThe Answer?