Shake-up in Tasmania

Tasmania's 29 councils would share services and purchasing as part of a proposed shake-up. Hobart City Council aldermen have supported Alderman Eva Ruzicka's move, which comes as anger grows statewide over a State Government takeover of services and planning.

Ald Ruzicka said if local government did not determine its own future, the State Government would continue takeover plans that hurt the community, as with water and sewerage reform. And as pressure grew for councils to merge, she said evidence showed clearly that forced amalgamations failed to deliver break-even services.

"Economic, regional and social inclusion issues such as procurement, insurance and regional co-operation funding, as well as demands that local government gets involved in health, ageing, affordable housing and drug management strategies, have changed the way we do business," Ald Ruzicka said. "It's urgent that aldermen in Hobart, as the leader capital city, make a start on determining the future of local government."

She said shared services and partnerships were vital if local government was to retain local democracy and community identity. "If Hobart City Council does not provide leadership on this now, there is a real and present threat of State Government-focused policies filling the void," she said.