The Granite Belt Community Association has engaged the services of Orion Consulting Network, represented by Mr David Spearritt, to assist with the preparation of the business case and financial feasibility for de-amalgamation from Warwick.
A statement released by the group said Mr Spearritt has over 40 years of experience in local government, including 15 years as a senior executive with Brisbane City Council, six years as a Deputy Local Government Commissioner and Director of Financial Review, and more recently 22 years as a highly regarded independent consultant on local government matters.
“He has provided professional advice to 33 of the 77 local councils in Queensland, including the Southern Downs, Goondiwindi, Scenic Rim and Toowoomba Regional Councils,” the statement said.
“He has extensive experience on boundary change reviews and proposals, including the provision of key financial advice in the successful de-amalgamation reviews involving Noosa, Mareeba and Livingstone Councils.
Granite Belt Community Association president Rev Alan Colyer said they were “absolutely thrilled to have secured the services of a consultant of this calibre”.
“He has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Queensland,” Alan said.
“His skills and experience will be invaluable in assisting the GBCA to produce a sound and robust financial analysis and business case for the de-amalgamation proposal.”
“The whole initiative is gaining momentum with appointment of Lawrence Springborg as chairman of the Project Steering Committee and now the engagement of the consultant.
“Community support is now vital through this next stage and financial and other contributions are now urgently required to give this initiative the best possible chance of success.
“We are well on our way to raising the funds and donations of any amount, big or small are welcome.
“If everyone who attended the rally and signed the petition donated $15 we would be at our target.”
Donations can be made by direct deposit to Bendigo Bank, GoFundMe or you can drop into Granite Belt Cleaning and Hospitality or Maddies Gift Gallery.
For further details visit www.granitebeltcommunity.com, Facebook or contact Amanda Harrold on 0432 467 966.
