Key Decisions Made
De-amalgamation funding strategy approved
Following a project funding report that was considered by the De-amalgamation Steering Committee, Council has endorsed the proposed funding framework for the De-amalgamation Project.
The 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 $4,985,640, inclusive of a 20% budget contingency.
Community Members appointed to the De-amalgamation Community Panel
Council has appointed 25 community representatives to its De-amalgamation Community Panel, ensuring local voices continue to play a key role in shaping the future of the region.
The appointed community representatives are:
Representing the Northern Area
- Craig Perrin - Bombowlee
- Darryl Dunn - Talbingo
- Donna Martin - Tumut
- Edward Conroy - Tumut
- Janette Wilson - Tumut
- Jess Campbell - Adelong
- Karim Muhammad - Tumut
- Lorraine Wysman - Tumut
- Louise Halsey CF - Tumut
- Michael Hannah - Tumut
- Sam Hughes – Batlow
Representing the Southern Area
- Brent Livermore - Tumbarumba
- Charlie Garrison - Tumbarumba
- Christopher Blake - Tumbarumba
- Ebony Jarvis - Tumbarumba
- Garry Mcclelland - Tumbarumba
- Jennifer Vinge - Jingellic
- John Reeves - Tumbarumba
- Kay Whitehead - Tooma
- Mellisa Meli - Mannus
- Peter Marshall - Tumbarumba
- Sarah Whiteley - Greg Greg
- Stephen Weeks - Tumbarumba
- Tom Southwell - Tumbarumba
- Tony A'beckett - Tumbarumba
Community Members approinted to De-amalgamation Steering Committee
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)
SVC Brand to be Retained for Northern Council
The results of the brand survey supported retaining the current Snowy Valleys Council (SVC) brand.
Council has voted to retain its use and apply it to the new northern Council (formerly the Tumut Shire Council area) upon proclamation.
As a result, the De-amalgamation Project budget will be adjusted to reflect savings achieved through the retention of the existing SVC brand, avoiding the need for a full rebrand.
Community consultation will next be undertaken to determine the preferred naming convention for the new Southern Council. This consultation is expected to commence following the establishment of the De-amalgamation Community Panel, anticipated in August 2026.
A range of measures have been endorsed to progress the de-amalgamation project
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.