Transition To De-Amalgamation
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.
Have Your Say – Retention of SVC Brand
In considering the process and cost associated with de-amalgamation, one option is to retain the Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) brand and apply it to one of the newly created Councils.
Retaining the existing SVC branding for one of the new councils could reduce costs associated with a full rebrand, including savings on:
- Council signage
- Vehicle decals and uniforms
- Stationery and forms
- Website redevelopment
- Marketing and communication materials
- Re-drafting of leases, licences, policies etc
- Other operational branding changes
However, creating two new council brands could be an important investment in establishing clear, independent identities for each council from the start.
A new brand could also allow each council to reflect better its own history, character, priorities and future vision, which may strengthen community connection and trust over the long term.
Take the Survey
Take our Brand Survey and let us know what you think. We also have some Frequently Asked Questions that may help to inform your feedback. The Survey will be open until 11.59pm Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
