People living in the former Noosa Shire are being urged to consider all the facts as they prepare to vote on de-amalgamation.
Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said the report prepared by the Boundaries Commissioner and Queensland Treasury Corporation (QTC) accurately details the cost for Noosa to de-amalgamate.
“This is a big decision for the region and it’s important that residents know exactly what they are voting for on March 9,” Mr Crisafulli said.
QTC found the initial cost for Noosa to de-amalgamate would be $13,651,000 or an extra $260 per ratepayer in the first year.
There would also be ongoing costs of an extra $142 per ratepayer in the following years.
Mr Crisafulli refuted claims that the Boundaries Commissioner’s report was wrong.
“Residents can be very confident in the numbers,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Respected firm KPMG has independently investigated the IT requirements for Noosa, including upgrades to existing infrastructure and website costs.
“You can’t just plug in a five year old computer and expect it to work, or build a cheap website that won’t allow residents to pay their rates.
“A new Noosa Shire Council must be able to at least maintain current service levels to residents if it de-amalgamates from Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
“While the report shows a new Noosa Shire Council will have to meet extra costs, we believe locals should decide if that’s worth it, to get their old council back.”
Only registered voters in the former council area will vote at the referendum on March 9.
De-amalgamation information is available at http://www.dlg.qld.gov.au/bc//
Referendum information is available at http://www.ecq.qld.gov.au/