By STEVE GRAY
HAVING lost the amalgamation battle, some Stanthorpe residents want reforms to the present council structure to make it more fair and democratic.
A delegation met with Local Government Minister David Crisafulli at the State Government’s Community Cabinet meeting in Toowoomba on the weekend,
Spokeswoman for the group of four residents, Mary Rofe, said they were pleased to receive an undertaking from the Minister that he would investigate their concerns surrounding the running of council elections.
The delegation was critical of the undivided council structure, saying it allowed councillors to avoid responsibility for particular areas by claiming a whole of region focus.
She said centralisation had negative effects on Stanthorpe businesses who found they could no longer tender for work they once enjoyed.
The delegation argued that electing councillors by divisions within the Southern Downs was one way in which local advocacy could be returned to Stanthorpe.
“Minister Crisafulli signalled that with evident community support this was a viable proposition,” she said..
“Finally, the delegation was pleased to note that the minister was amenable to the mayoral ballot being conducted by optional preferential vote,” she said.
“The Save Our Shire Stanthorpe group has a wide support base amongst the community who are still angry and disappointed about the failed LNP process offered to de-amalgamate.
“However democracy can only be served under these conditions if the current council can be made more accountable to voters,” Ms Rofe said.
Mr Crisafulli said there would soon be an avenue for the group to express their concerns.
“It’s great to see the community looking at ways to make the regional council work better despite their justified anger at the forced amalgamations.
“I’d welcome their submission when the draft changes to the Local Government Electoral Act 2011 are released shortly,” Mr Crisafulli said.
