When Snowy Monaro Regional Council meets for the second time this month, it will decide on whether residents should have a say on pursuing a de-merger.

Council did not finish its October business paper at last week’s meeting, reaching its five hour limit with a number of key items left of the agenda.

When council meets next Wednesday, 29 October, it will consider asking residents to have their say on if council should investigate de-merging and returning to the former shires of Bombala, Cooma-Monaro and Snowy River.

Councillor Bob Stewart will have his third attempt at gaining support for a de-merger poll, with the Bombala-based councillor putting forward a notice of motion.

“The recent announcement by the Minister of Local Government, Ron Hoenig, approving the de-merger of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has shown the minister’s willingness to listen to the community and act on the matter of de-mergers,” Cr Stewart said.

“His willingness to act was further strengthened by the subsequent announcement that the Snowy Valleys Council was approved to hold a referendum on the matter of de-merging.

“In both cases, the minister was damning of the failures of merged councils. Also in both cases, the bigger is better mantra was de-bunked by the minister.”

In Cr Stewart’s previous two attempts for a de-merger poll to be supported, council has voted against the proposal.