Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that the community of the Granite Belt fully support de-amalgamation from the Southern Downs Regional Council. The previous Stanthorpe Shire Council was strongly opposed to amalgamation and in the report of the Local Government Reform Commission, the reasons listed were:

• detrimental impact on the development of the community.

• loss of local representation.

• loss of services which met the needs of the community.

• loss of employment opportunities.

• reduced local government support of local businesses.

• loss of important community assets.

• reduced allocation of local government funds towards local projects.

• loss or downgrading of local services and

• potential to lose some or all of the local identity and sense of community.
  

It is the opinion of the Granite Belt community that the above reasons for not amalgamating have become a reality and that this community will not recover unless de-amalgamation happens.  We request that parliament acknowledge that amalgamation has been to the detriment of the Granite Belt community and that a special committee be formed to investigate boundaries for new council areas and to formulate a workable, sustainable plan for de-amalgamation to occur.

Your petitions, therefore, request the House to ensure that de-amalgamation occurs prior to the next statutory council elections.