Paper Petition

The petition of the residents of the State of Queensland draws to the attention of the House to: - our condemnation of the statement by the Premier of Queensland that 43% of Queensland Councils are financially unviable; - the myth that forced amalgamation of councils will fix the financial woes of Councils; - the complete lack of consultation and breech 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 Queensland Treasury Corporation's assessments which indicate only 13% of Queensland Councils are financially unviable. - Recognise that the Queensland Auditor General's Report which states that Council balance sheets show $51.6 billon net assets, sufficient equity to cover deficits. - Recognise that forced amalgamations in other States has made those councils more financially stretched than their Queensland counterparts. - Strongly oppose the forced amalgamation of Queensland Councils and the effects this will have on businesses, families. jobs and the economic sustainability of many communities.