Harden Shire Council will re-engage with the Shire Councils of Boorowa and Young under a joint consultant who will investigate the feasability of the 3 councils amalgamating in the future.

The Harden Shire Council agreed unanimously on Wednesday the 19th of April to re-engage in the consultancy after the Council had previously stated that they would wait for more information in regard to the outcome of the final report on ‘Revitalising Local Government’.

The Harden Shire Council will deliver their submission on the report to Mr Ross Woodward CEO of the Local Government Association by the due date of Friday the 4th of April.

Harden Shire Mayor Chris Manchester stated in his submission to Mr Woodward that “whilst my Council has re-engaged with this consultancy, such is on the clear understanding that this Council is not binding itself to any predetermined outcome, rather this council is committed to examining all possible options as part of the Statewide local government industry review. My Council has also resolved to continue meaningful discussion with all of our neighbouring Councils as a means of ensuring the best possible outcome for the interests of all within the Harden Shire Council area”.

Of the 5 options on page 1 the most difficult option to sustain would be to “stand alone” as the Panels view is that a population of less then 5000 is “unlikely to support a stand alone local government.”

The Council resolved on Wednesday the 19th of April to send individual letters to the councillors at each Shire Council that borders with the Harden Shire Council.

Harden Shire shares boundaries with Boorowa, Young, Cootamundra, Gundagai and Yass.