A desire of the B.U.R.R.A. group (Burra Urila Residents and Ratepayers Association) to leave Palerang was discussed at a meeting called by Queanbeyan City Council last Wednesday. The group had made a submission to the Boundaries Commission for Burra, Urila and half of Royalla to move into the Queanbeyan local government area, and the meeting was called to hear all the view of affected residents.
With 315 signatures on their petition, the major residents' concerns were the geographic isolation of the area from the rest of the Shire, and subsequent lack of community of interest, and the inability of Palerang Council to provide appropriate and economically viable services to the area at a reasonable cost to ratepayers.
Around 120 people attended the meeting including Queanbeyan Councillors, and Queanbeyan Council will consider the move Wednesday night's meeting.
Member for Monaro Steve Whan said that "I understand the matter is before the Boundaries Commission and I'll let them do their job, however my concern would be about any net loss for Palerang Council due to a shrinking of their rate-payer base. This would obviously have an effect on Council's finances and their ability to properly service the needs of their existing rate payers."
"I do understand that many Burra residents have a natural community of interest with Queanbeyan as they access many services in Queanbeyan, however Palerang Council's finances and long-term viability must to be taken into account" he said.
Queanbeyan Mayor Frank Pangallo said he had not made up his mind yet about the proposal. If the move is accepted, Palerang would lose 500 ratepayers, which would seriously destabilize and already rocky boat. A change would also place the Palerang Mayor Jim Maclachlan's position in doubt, as a resident of Burra.
Palerang Council will discuss the proposal at its' next meeting.
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