That’s the question being asked by the NSW Government in an attempt to promote state-wide efficient, focused and sustainable councils - “a smarter system of local government”.

While local amalgamation seems unlikely (the State Government’s focus appears to support voluntary mergers within the Sydney metropolitan councils only) the impetus for the Bellingen Shire Council (BSC) will be focused on establishing strong regional centres and the establishment of a Joint Organisation (JO).

Mayor Mark Troy said the NSW Government announced these proposals after recommendations made by the Independent Local Government Review Panel and Local Government Acts Taskforce.

“In Bellingen’s case the panel recommended no change (to BSC), but the establishment of a North Coast Joint Organisation (JO) comprising the councils of Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen and Nambucca,” Cr Troy said.

Joint Organisations are touted as a mechanism for neighbouring shires to discuss and agree on a “regional vision” and importantly, they’ll be the port-of-call for the State Government to connect and communicate with regional communities.

While at this early stage Joint Organisations have no defined goals, they’ve flagged areas such as: “improving land use planning and cutting red tape; pooling resources for major works, attracting education and industry; and improving transport and freight links.”

It is anticipated the governing body of a Joint Organisation would be made up of a representatives from each council who will have sufficient authority to act on their council’s behalf.

That said, the future direction for the Bellingen Shire will be determined by the ‘Fit for the Future’, a compulsory formal self-assessment tool that independently evaluates local councils.

Key highlights of the Fit for the Future package include: a new Local Government Act to be phased in from 2016-17 that will focus on integrated planning and reporting; a new role for the NSW Auditor-General; a review of the rating system; a review of the regulatory burden on councils; a recognition that flexible structures should be available; legislative provision for Joint Organisations; and Financial Assistance Grants distribution.

The State Government have thrown $1 billion on the table to fix councils as “one-third have been identified as facing financial problems”.

Regional shires have been offered $5 million to merge with another council or, $11 million when three merge and $13.5 million when four merge.

Those in line for Joint Organisations can expect $300,000 to get established, access expert assistance, facilitators and technical support.

Bellingen council general manager Liz Jeremy said while “the devil’s in the detail”, there was an opportunity to jump onboard and receive better funding and strategic support.

“Specifically, the documentation released indicates that when Fit for the Future Councils have completed their transition, they will have access to a range of opportunities, including cheaper finance options, simplified reporting requirements, priority access to State funding and grants and options for additional planning powers,” Liz said.

Cr Troy: “The mayors and general managers of the neighbouring councils slated for the North Coast JO have met on a number of occasions during 2013 and with the release of the government position paper I anticipate that the four councils will meet shortly to discuss options and implications.”

Council expects to receive a more detailed briefing from government over the next couple of weeks, but mayor Troy told the Courier-Sun Bellingen council had put its hand up to be part of the Pilot Joint Organisation program.

“Council would have the opportunity to actively participate in the determination of their future direction rather than one model being imposed,” Cr Troy said.

“It’s important to be at the forefront of council reform, rather than having a model imposed without any chance to influence the Joint Organisation structure. I believe if we can develop an effective Joint Organisation of Councils we can preserve our autonomy which is so important to our diverse community.”

The key dates to note regarding the new process are: Stage one - self-assessment tool issued to councils, October 2014. Stage two - council self-assessment roadmaps completed, June 2015. Stage three - council roadmaps reviewed by independent panel and approved by NSW Government, December 2015. Stage four - implementation of roadmaps, March 2016. All changes will need completion by September 2016.

Detailed recommendations can be viewed at www.fitforthefuture.nsw.gov.au.