Local Government Act 1993

If, as a result of an order under section 214E, part of a municipal area is or is to be combined with an existing or a newly created municipal area, the Minister may require the councils of the municipal areas affected by the order to make an agreement in respect of the parts of the municipal area to be combined as to the apportionment of the assets between those councils or any proposed council.

The Minister may determine the apportionment as between the councils or proposed councils if the existing councils – fail to make an agreement in relation to the apportionment; or fail to agree on the apportionment of one or more assets.

The Minister may require an agreement to be made on or before a specified day.

The Minister may refer any matter that is in dispute between councils to an arbitrator appointed by the Minister for that purpose.

A decision of the Minister is final.

Any apportionment takes effect – on the day on which the order under section 214E takes effect; or on a later day if the Minister so determines.

Any assets apportioned under this section are vested in the relevant council on the day – specified in the agreement; or if there is no agreement, specified in the determination under subsection (2).