Transition To De-Amalgamation

Published on 21 Aug 2026

Following a project funding report that was considered by the De-amalgamation Steering Committee, Council has approved proceeding with internal loan funding arrangements and grant applications to the Office of Local Government to support the project's implementation, ensuring both successor councils are operationally ready for commencement on 1 July 2028.

The revised cost estimate for the de-amalgamation project is projected at $4,985,640, inclusive of a 20% budget contingency.

To assist with the costs of de-amalgamation, Council will:

• Submit an application to the Minister for Local Government for grant funding of $2,891,640
• Formally apply to the Deputy Secretary, Local Government for approval to borrow $500,000 from Council’s Sewerage Services General Reserve
• Reprioritise $500,000 from Council’s current 26/27 Operational Budget

The proposed funding framework demonstrates Council’s commitment to co-investment, with more than 40% of direct project costs to be funded by Council. This investment is further supported by substantial in-kind contributions through the provision of staff time, resources and specialist expertise.

Published on 03 August 2026

The Snowy Valleys Council De-amalgamation Steering Committee will meet for the first time on Thursday 6 August at the Snowy Valleys Resilience Hub in Batlow, marking an important milestone in the transition towards two independent councils.

Community representatives Allan Tonkin, Barney Hyams, John Connors, Mary Hoodless AM, Ian Chaffey and Andrew Rae will join elected Councillors and Council Executive staff (non-voting members) for the inaugural meeting, which will commence at 4.15pm.

The meeting agenda includes the election of a Chair, confirmation of future meeting arrangements, consideration of a proposed project funding strategy, selection of the Community Panel members and a confidential report regarding Council’s primary technology platform.

The meeting will be open to the public and community members are welcome to attend as observers, but the meeting will not be livestreamed.

Read the full article here

Published on 09 July 2026

Snowy Valleys Council has appointed six community representatives to its De-amalgamation Steering Committee, ensuring local voices continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the region.

The appointed community representatives are:

Northern Area

• Allan Tonkin (Tumut)
• Barnett (Barney) Hyams (Batlow)
• John Connors (Batlow)

Southern Area

• Mary Hoodless AM (Jingellic)
• Ian Chaffey (Tumbarumba)
• Andrew Rae (Tumbarumba)

Mayor Julia Ham said "We received a high calibre of nominations, and I'd like to congratulate the successful applicants and sincerely thank everyone who took the time to apply."

Council's Chief Transition Officer, Nicole Jenkins, said the Steering Committee would provide strategic leadership, oversight and governance throughout the separation and re-establishment of the two new independent councils.

Read the full media article here

Published on 03 July 2026

At its Extraordinary Meeting held on 2 July, Council has resolved to retain the existing Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) brand following the outcomes of a community survey undertaken as part of the de-amalgamation process.

In line with the community survey results, which showed strong community support for maintaining the current SVC identity, Council resolved to retain the Snowy Valleys Council brand and extend its use to the new northern Council (formerly the Tumut Shire Council area) upon proclamation.

Read the full article here

Published on 03 July 2026

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

Published on 12 March 2026

Snowy Valleys Council has appointed a Chief Transition Officer to oversee the de-amalgamation process.

Council’s General Manager Jessica Quilty said the appointment followed an extensive recruitment process. “I am pleased to advise that Ms Nicole Jenkins has accepted the role as our Chief Transition Officer,” said Ms Quilty. “This role is critical to successfully delivering the transition and Ms Jenkins brings extensive experience providing strategic advice and leading organisational responses to complex projects and change initiatives.”

Key accountabilities of the role include leading Council’s Transition Team and developing an organisational change initiative and associated roadmap for de-amalgamation. Financially, the development of budgets and plans that support sound fiscal management and sustainability of the two new separate organisations will be critical.

Ms Jenkins will commence her role with Snowy Valleys Council on 8 April 2026.

Read the full article here

Published on 01 December 2025

The Snowy Valleys community has delivered a clear “Yes” in early counting for the De-amalgamation Referendum, signalling strong support for a return to two independent councils.

Snowy Valleys Council Mayor Julia Ham said the strong turnout and clear outcome demonstrated the community’s commitment to shaping its local governance future.

“The people have decided, what a great day for democracy!” Mayor Ham said.

Read the full article here