Although Yass Valley Council is listed as 'not for change' under the review panel's recommendation, General Manager David Rowe said that doesn't necessarily mean it will be left alone.

“We will be submitting ourselves as a stand-alone council, we have proven that we are fit for purpose, there is plenty of prospect for future development and growth in the area," Mr Rowe said at the October council meeting last week.

"We have our own identity and that's what we need to focus on, so we will fight to remain independent.

“In saying that, we won’t disregard any local area that wants to merge with us, we will consider combining with neighbouring councils, but the proposals will have to come from the communities themselves." 

Mr Rowe explained that the Yass Valley Council will only remain a stand-alone council if it can demonstrate a capacity to be sustainable in this format. 

The NSW Government program will provide a reform package of up to $1 billion to provide support and incentives to help each council prepare for the future.

Each council has been asked to review their situation and to submit their proposal on how they intend to become "Fit For the Future" by  June 30, 2015. If the proposal is to merge than appropriate funding will be provided.

The Independent Local Government Review Panel and Local Government Acts Taskforce has made recommendations to the NSW councils to improve effectiveness, originally arising from the Destination 2036 initiative on how to meet the future challenges for local government. This included, financial and governance models, structural arrangements and boundary changes, and implementation. 

Given the Yass Valley's proximity to Canberra, with many residents commuting, the Tribune questioned whether it would be more economically viable to work closer with ACT councils. 

“Our relationship with the ACT is fundamental to the future of Yass Valley and how we do business in the future. Yass Valley has a strong linkage with the ACT in relation to economic development, tourism, employment and services. This will only get stronger,” Mr Rowe said.

“We have recently developed a good relationship with the ACT through several cross-border working groups and ACT’s participation in South East Regional Organisation of Councils (SEROC) has been a very positive outcome for our local region. It is expected the development of recent ties will only get stronger as we continue to work with the ACT on issues that affect Yass Valley.”

The guidelines of what the state government recognise as ‘Fit For the Future’ are expected to be released within a few weeks.

Mr Rowe explained that depending on the Fit For the Future criteria, council would consider engaging specialist consultants to analyse and present data to support council's case to remain a stand-alone entity.