Leave Livingstone Alone! Community urged to have a say in shire-wide surveys on boundary change issue

Livingstone Shire ratepayers and community members are being strongly urged to have their say on the important issue of the northern suburbs proposed boundary change.

The Queensland Electoral Commission is currently investigating the move which includes transferring the shire’s suburbs of Glenlee, Glendale and Rockyview to Rockhampton Regional Council.

Mayor Andy Ireland said the change could potentially result in higher rates, a reduction of services, or both.

“It’s an issue that impacts the entire shire, not just three suburbs, so it’s vital that all community members have the opportunity to have their say,” Mayor Ireland said.

“Council values all areas of the shire equally and we will have a stronger economic future together.

“Keeping Glenlee, Glendale and Rockyview is key to the future prosperity of Livingstone and this has been emphasised to the Local Government Minister and the Local Government Change Commission as a matter of urgency.

“The surveys are not formal votes but the results will help Council form its submission to the Local Government Change Commission which is expected to carry out its review in 2021.

“Council has considered the 2014 views of residents of these suburbs, but it has determined the overwhelming imperative now has to be the financial sustainability, capacity to deliver affordable services and ability to support growth for the whole shire.

“A 2017 financial impact study clearly demonstrated that the change would further limit Council’s capacity to minimise rates, maintain adequate service levels and raise funding for economic and community growth projects.

“The study found up to 70% of Council costs associated with these suburbs will remain following the potential transfer. In 2017, the net revenue loss was forecast to be over $2 million annually.

“As a result, Council may have to reduce services or increase rates and charges for remaining residents should the boundary be changed.

“We want the community to be aware that this has the potential to impact all of Livingstone Shire.

“It’s also important to note that other than the period of amalgamation from 2008, the northern suburbs have always been part of Livingstone Shire Council.”

Livingstone Shire Council formally declared its position against a potential boundary change at a Council meeting in May this year.

Ratepayers with an email address registered with Council will receive one survey per household electronically in early November and those without a registered email address will get a printed survey in the mail.

A separate community survey will be available for all residents to complete at www.getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au from today or at any Livingstone Shire Library or Customer Support Centre.

Both surveys close on 20 November 2020.

For detailed information about the proposed boundary change please visit: www.getinvolved.livingstone.qld.gov.au