Premier Bligh must reconsider - Plebiscite rejects amalgamation decisively
11th December, 2007
The Queensland Labor State Government must rethink its plans to forcibly amalgamate local councils following the overwhelming rejection of its plans by the people affected.Results of plebiscites declared today by the Australian Electoral Commission demonstrate overwhelming community opposition to forced amalgamations in all urban areas polled. Votes in rural areas to be declared in coming days are expected to be equally decisive.
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Federal Shadow Minister for Local Government Warren Truss said the result of the Noosa Shire plebiscite was an “extraordinary rebuttal” of Queenland Labor’s undemocratic plans.
“Close to 70% of eligible Noosa Shire residents voted in the poll, which is remarkable in itself,” Mr Truss said. “But for more than 95% of those who voted to reject amalgamation with other Sunshine Coast councils is a clear and irrefutable declaration of the public’s view on this issue.”
Mr Truss said the results of other polls released today also verified that amalgamation was not wanted by Queenslanders.
Mr Truss said
• In Redcliffe, 86.8% voted no to amalgamation;
• In Caboolture, 62.1% voted no to amalgamation;
• In Pine Rivers, 73.5% voted no to amalgamation; and
• In Caloundra, 69% voted no to amalgamation.
“If Labor has any respect for democracy and the people’s will, it will abandon plans to form a megacity on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Truss said.
“Labor should let Noosa remain as a distinct identity. This result confirms the stand taken by Friends of Noosa, and the people of Noosa.
Communities have a right to be different and to plan a lifestyle of their choosing. Anna Bligh and Queensland Labor should let Noosa residents and ratepayers have the local government they want.”
Mr Truss said the plebiscite result also sent a clear message to new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
“He said before the election he was opposed to forced amalgamations. Now he has the added evidence of the plebiscite results. When he meets Premier Anna Bligh at COAG next week he must convince her that her plan is dictatorial and wrong.”
“If COAG is to mean anything as a venue for discussions between Federal, State and Local Government, Prime Minister Rudd and Premier Bligh must respect their partnership with local government and give the people what they are demanding.”
Mr Truss also congratulated Friends of Noosa on their determination to fight against what is seen by many people in regional Queensland as a basic denial of natural justice.
“Their enthusiasm and commitment to democracy and the will of the people is a great example of our system at work. They have done a magnificent job in giving a voice to all the people of Queensland who resent this fundamental attack on communities,” Mr Truss said.
ENDS
