Transition To De-Amalgamation

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The Snowy Valleys De-amalgamation Referendum was held on Saturday, 29 November 2025 with a definitive Yes vote being delivered to reinstate two new councils based on the boundaries of the former Tumut and Tumbarumba Shire Council Local Government Areas.

Council is now following the demerger pathway made possible by legislation introduced and passed by the state Government in 2024 towards a proposed proclamation date of 1 July 2028.

The Transition to De-amalgamation project will continue to be progressed in consultation with the NSW Office of Local Government, with further reports to be presented to Council as additional project milestones are reached.

Key De-Amalgamation Decisions Made at 21 May 2026 Council Meeting

Council has formally endorsed a range of measures to progress the de-amalgamation project, including:

  • Approval to seek up to $5 million in State Government funding to support de-amalgamation costs
  • The engagement of specialist consultants to update the project’s Financial Sustainability Plan, including assessment of potential Special Rate Variation scenarios.
  • Formally incorporate de-amalgamation activities into the organisation's Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to ensure the project is reflected in Council’s strategic and operational planning.
  • Establishment of a De-amalgamation Steering Committee with voting membership to include all Councillors, along with community representatives from both the Northern and Southern areas of the Snowy Valleys Local Government Area (by expressions of interest).
  • Establish a new De-amalgamation Community Panel, which will support consultation and engagement activities throughout the project (by expressions of interest) .
  • Seek community feedback on the possible retention of the Snowy Valleys Council brand for one of the newly constituted council areas, recognising the potential cost efficiencies associated with retaining the existing brand identity.

Express your Interest to join our Community Panel

Expressions of Interest are now open for a 20-member De-amalgamation Community Panel, which will provide community input, local knowledge and feedback to support Council's decision-making throughout the transition period.

Council is seeking ten representatives from the northern area (former Tumut Shire) and ten representatives from the southern area (former Tumbarumba Shire), with membership to reflect the diversity of the Snowy Valleys community, including a range of ages, backgrounds, interests and lived experiences.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

To learn more and apply online click here - www.svc.nsw.gov.au/eoi


The Snowy Valleys De-amalgamation Referendum was held on Saturday, 29 November 2025 with a definitive Yes vote being delivered to reinstate two new councils based on the boundaries of the former Tumut and Tumbarumba Shire Council Local Government Areas.

Council is now following the demerger pathway made possible by legislation introduced and passed by the state Government in 2024 towards a proposed proclamation date of 1 July 2028.

The Transition to De-amalgamation project will continue to be progressed in consultation with the NSW Office of Local Government, with further reports to be presented to Council as additional project milestones are reached.

Key De-Amalgamation Decisions Made at 21 May 2026 Council Meeting

Council has formally endorsed a range of measures to progress the de-amalgamation project, including:

  • Approval to seek up to $5 million in State Government funding to support de-amalgamation costs
  • The engagement of specialist consultants to update the project’s Financial Sustainability Plan, including assessment of potential Special Rate Variation scenarios.
  • Formally incorporate de-amalgamation activities into the organisation's Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to ensure the project is reflected in Council’s strategic and operational planning.
  • Establishment of a De-amalgamation Steering Committee with voting membership to include all Councillors, along with community representatives from both the Northern and Southern areas of the Snowy Valleys Local Government Area (by expressions of interest).
  • Establish a new De-amalgamation Community Panel, which will support consultation and engagement activities throughout the project (by expressions of interest) .
  • Seek community feedback on the possible retention of the Snowy Valleys Council brand for one of the newly constituted council areas, recognising the potential cost efficiencies associated with retaining the existing brand identity.

Express your Interest to join our Community Panel

Expressions of Interest are now open for a 20-member De-amalgamation Community Panel, which will provide community input, local knowledge and feedback to support Council's decision-making throughout the transition period.

Council is seeking ten representatives from the northern area (former Tumut Shire) and ten representatives from the southern area (former Tumbarumba Shire), with membership to reflect the diversity of the Snowy Valleys community, including a range of ages, backgrounds, interests and lived experiences.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

To learn more and apply online click here - www.svc.nsw.gov.au/eoi


  • Minister Visits Snowy Valleys To Discuss De-Amalgamation

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    Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig, recently met with Snowy Valleys Council to discuss progress on de-amalgamation and the work required to establish two new councils by July 2028.

    During the visit, the Minister highlighted the opportunity to create two councils with services and operating models tailored to the unique needs of their respective communities, rather than replicating the current structure.

    Council's Chief Transition Officer, Nicole Jenkins, said the meeting reinforced the importance of carefully planning services, service levels and financial sustainability to meet the priorities of each future council area.

    Mayor Julia Ham said the Minister recognised the complexity of the task ahead and stressed the importance of building two distinct councils that reflect the needs of their communities. The Minister also acknowledged the significant work involved and expressed confidence that Council is well placed to deliver the transition.

    Read the full article here

    Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig, recently met with Snowy Valleys Council to discuss progress on de-amalgamation and the work required to establish two new councils by July 2028.

    During the visit, the Minister highlighted the opportunity to create two councils with services and operating models tailored to the unique needs of their respective communities, rather than replicating the current structure.

    Council's Chief Transition Officer, Nicole Jenkins, said the meeting reinforced the importance of carefully planning services, service levels and financial sustainability to meet the priorities of each future council area.

    Mayor Julia Ham said the Minister recognised the complexity of the task ahead and stressed the importance of building two distinct councils that reflect the needs of their communities. The Minister also acknowledged the significant work involved and expressed confidence that Council is well placed to deliver the transition.

    Read the full article here

Page last updated: 03 Jul 2026, 05:20 PM