Shire amalgamations - councils aim for referenda ...

Excerpt from the Courier Mail:

Councils aim for referenda

26 July 2007

At least 20 councils intend to hold ratepayer-funded referendums if they are earmarked for forced amalgamation.

Despite being branded a waste of time and taxpayers' money by the State Government, 20 councils revealed they were planning to hold the polls next month.

The Local Government Association of Queensland urged councils to give their constituents a say if it was recommended they amalgamate with neighbouring shires.

Local Government director-general Michael Kinnane last week ordered councils to provide any council resolutions about holding a poll to him by yesterday.

Local Government Minister Andrew Fraser, who has indicated he would use reserve powers to block the polls, said he would consider his options.
...

See - Government tactics to stop referenda.