Rockhampton Regional Council has today written to the Queensland Government once again stating Council’s unwavering support for a public vote to be held on the transfer of the Northern Suburbs back to the Rockhampton Region.
Mayor Tony Williams said Council had received a letter from Deputy Premier and Local Government Minister Steven Miles last night seeking its position on the Change Commission process given there was no current agreement between Councils.
“Rockhampton’s position is clear. Our community needs the vote to happen and we expect it to start in two weeks as it’s meant to,” Mayor Williams said.
“The State Labor Government took this as a promise to the last election and we have made it clear in no uncertain terms that we expect them to honour this promise and see the process through.
“I know there has been a lot of commentary around the compensation Livingstone is seeking and that they have rejected our offer.
“But given how important this decision is for the future of both of our communities, my message to Livingstone Shire Council and the State Government is this – let people have their say.
“Politicians are elected to represent communities – it is the heart of what it means to be in the public service.
“It is the right thing to let the vote continue. A promise was made and it needs to be kept.
“An independent process is now underway and we do not want to see any political interference stopping this vote.
“Once that process is finished, it will then be up to all parties in this matter to sit around a table and agree on the compensation. That has been in the Queensland Treasury Corporation assessment all along.
“I want to make one more thing very clear. Livingstone Shire Council originally agreed to this process and then changed their mind.
“They let the State Government know about their new position before Local Government Minister Steven Miles provided further instructions to the Change Commission on the review.
“Nothing has changed since then. Let our communities have a say in their future and then let’s sort out the compensation after. I have personally spoken to Deputy Premier Miles and invited him to mediate that process, which is similar to what then Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe did between the two Councils when we agreed to the Terms of Reference.
“Queensland Labor made an election promise to our communities that they would have a vote.
“So let them vote,” Mayor Williams said.
