Welcome to Are Amalgamations The Answer?

With thanks to our Conference sponsors:

Conference Chairperson Steve Jarron Director LG 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 Manager Independent Local Government Review Panel C/- Locked Bag 3015, Nowra NSW 2541 e: w: p: | m:

Statement from Graham Sansom "Apologies that I cannot attend your event and participate in the Q&A Session. I cannot attend as our report is with the NSW government awaiting consideration by Cabinet. In the circumstances I don't want to get into a public debate about the merits of what we have or haven't recommended and what the government should or shouldn'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 Sansom Adjunct Professor, UTS Centre for Local Government

Recent Queensland Amalgamations Steve Jarron Director LG Global Innovation

Local Government Myths & Realities Prof. Percy Allen Research Director Review Today

10.30am – 11.00am Networking and Break

Review Today Bob Gaussen Director Review Today

Amalgamations are the Wrong Path! Professor Brian Dollery Head of Local Government Research and Studies University of New England

Amalgamations are the Wrong Path! Professor Brian Dollery Head of Local Government Research and Studies University of New England

Innovate not Amalgamate! Ron Palmer President International Local Government Innovation Network

12.00pm – 1.30pm Lunch and Networking

Hon. Sophie Cotsis MLC Shadow 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 Goldman 2SM 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 – 5.15pm Post-conference Networking Drinks

Redcliffe Lament – Colin Hewett Redcliffe was a City, and a dammed fine one at that along came Peter Beattie, who put an end, to 'that' Amalgamation followed, amidst our plaintive cries and Redcliffe's once proud city, was doomed to fail and die. The Community lost its voice, our identity stolen away But the LNP promised us the choice, to 'Let the people have their say' We voted in a member, to carry our banner high Alas The Phantom stumbled, and left us high and dry Our foreshores look so pretty, but the district goes to waste The businesses are suffering, an eerie ghost town in their place The water rates are massive, they come through pipes of gold Now people take out bank loans, just to shower, or so I have been told. Our council has removed itself, to places far away It wastes our money foolishly, massive debt is their new way This story is far from over, the people's voices rise once more We're going to dump this sorry mess at the Government's door We will reclaim our fair City, and its place in history A place where good people live, a place, for you and me.

With thanks to our Conference sponsors:

Thanks for participating in Are Amalgamations The Answer?