Minister always had call: Blundell
THE decision to reject the Return Our Shire Action Group's de-amalgamation request rested with the minister for local government, Southern Downs Mayor Peter Blundell said.
"I understand that there are disappointed people who would have liked to have seen the de-amalgamation process go through a further stage of assessment," Cr Blundell said.
"The fact was that it was always going to be the minister's call as to whether that happened or not.
"I am glad that the minister for local government made that decision quickly, and didn't leave the community wondering or putting a great deal of effort into something that was never going to proceed.
"The job now is to ensure that there is fair and equitable representation across the whole of the Southern Downs region, and that all sectors of our community have the opportunity to have their concerns heard."
The comments come after 15 ROSAG members walked out on a meeting with the mayor and local government minister last Monday.
The minister told the Daily News last week the decision was based on the region's ability to survive financially if a split were to occur.
