Oppose the forced amalgamation of Douglas Shire Council

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Mike Berwick
64-66 Front Street
Mossman Qld 4873
Total Signatures - 1,942
Sponsoring Member: Jason O'Brien MP
Posting Date: 9/8/2007
Tabled Date: 9/8/2007
Responded By: Hon Warren Pitt MP on 8/10/2007
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
The petition of residents and electors of the Douglas Shire draws to the attention of the House – • To our condemnation of the statement by the Premier of Queensland that we should be amalgamated with Cairns City council to form the Cairns Regional Council. • The myth that forced the amalgamation of two councils is in the community interest. • The complete lack of consultation and breach of protocol by the State Government with formation of the Local Government Reform Commission. • The removal of any appeal rights against the Local Government Reform Commission decisions. Your petitioners therefore request the House to: • Recognise that Douglas Shire Council should remain an entity in its own right. • Recognise that the Douglas Shire is a unique environment which should be preserved for future generations. • Strongly oppose the forced amalgamation of Douglas Shire Council and the effects this will have on businesses, families, jobs and the economic sustainability of many communities. Your petitioners therefore request the House to not endorse the recommendations of the Local Reform Commission.