May 12, 2016: WALCHA mayor Janelle Archdale summed up months of anguish and uncertainty coming to a close as a victory for commonsense and people power, with the state government’s Fit for the Future proposal merging Tamworth Regional and Walcha shire councils officially dumped.
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However, victory might be short, with suggestions the Walcha shire has been put on notice that a future amalgamation could be on the cards.
The four-way merger promoted by Armidale Dumaresq calling to be amalgamated with Guyra, Uralla and Walcha was found to be a better long-term option and appears to be still on the table for consideration.
Local Government Minister Paul Toole said in a statement: “The report makes clear that a merger of the four councils is the right long-term solution, but creating a successful new council for the region will require some years of collaboration and partnership between councils in the New England region,” putting Walcha on notice.
Cr Archdale said she would be “maybe popping a cork or two” in celebration, but gave credit to the Save Walcha Council action group and the state and federal support for their cause.
Tamworth Regional Council mayor Col Murray echoed his counterpart’s sentiment, describing the decision as a victory for Walcha.
“It’s back to business as usual,” Cr Murray said.
“It brings certainty at long last and closes a traumatic period.”
Cr Murray said Walcha has “punched above its weight” as a member of the Namoi Joint organisation and that Tamworth would continue to work closely with its neighbour.
He said he hasn’t seen a people power push like Walcha’s in his time in local government.
“We’re very pleased for Walcha council that it’s finally over and everyone can get back to business as usual,” he said.
Walcha council and community acknowledged the support of New England MP Barnaby Joyce and Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson as helping to get their voices heard loud and clear.
