Local Government Reform
On 15 March 2008, the former councils of Noosa Shire, Maroochy Shire and Caloundra City amalgamated to form the Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
Reform program
The Queensland State Government decided to amalgamate the three former Sunshine Coast councils as part of its state-wide Local Government Reform Program announced in April 2007.
The Queensland parliament endorsed the amalgamation recommendation on Friday 10 August 2007. The state government committed to allowing local councils to lead the change process. On the Coast, this process was led by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council Local Transition Committee (LTC).
See the reform timeline for important local government reform dates and milestones from 2007 to 2011.
Reform timeline
2007
April 17
State government announces state-wide reform to local government via forced amalgamations.
April 26
Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment Act comes into force to provide for reforms and create the Local Government Reform Commission.
May 1
State Transition Committee established to oversee and manage reforms at state-wide level. This cmmittee functioned until the March 2008 local government elections.
May 25
Public suggestions to Local Government Reform Commission about council amalgamations closed.
July 27
Local Government Reform Commission handed down report on new council boundaries, electoral arrangements and new names.
August 18
Some councils conduct polls on amalgamation issue.
August 7
Local Government Reform Implementation Bill, which establishes new council arrangements and implementation legislative provisions, is introduced to parliament.
August 10
Local Government Reform Implementation Bill passed and assented.
August 17
Local Transition Committee Guidelines released by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation.
August 29
Workforce Transition Code of Practice released by Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation.
September 9
Under legislation, Local Transition committees required to have convened first meeting and published public notice advising of meeting outcomes.
November 1, 13-15
Parliament sits - it is expected that the Bill providing the new legislative arrangements for the Torres Strait will be introduced.
2007-2008
October to mid March
Local Transition committees (LTCs) responsible for:
2008
March 15
Local government elections, run by Electoral Commissioner.
Mid March onwards
New councils become operational and have responsibility for new strategic direction.
Mid August
New council appointed permanent CEO (within six months of the election).
2009
Mid March
New council must have:
2011
Mid March
State government job security package ends.
End of application of the Code.
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