Last Friday, New South Wales Premier Mike Baird announced the long-awaited decision on the State’s council amalgamations.
Under the proposal, the overall number of councils will drop from 152 to 112.
In metropolitan Sydney councils will be reduced from 43 to 25 and in regional NSW 109 councils will become 87.
The Premier said the reduced number of councils would result in increased efficiency.
“Importantly, fewer councils will mean a big reduction in red tape for the NSW community and the businesses that work with councils,” Mr Baird said.
Merger proposals are now being finalised and will be referred to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government for examination.
A public consultation process will commence in January for all 35 proposals, including public hearings.
Following this stage, final proposals will be referred to a Boundaries Commission for comment.
President of Local Government New South Wales (LGNSW), Councillor Keith Rhoades, said the State’s decision is immensely disappointing for local councils and that his organisation would be scrutinising the review process.
“It’s a cruel joke, and unfortunately the joke is on the people of NSW because they are the ones likely to lose any meaningful input on the issues that impact on their day-to-day lives.
“LGNSW will continue to hold the Government to account throughout this process, which must be followed to the letter if the Minister wishes to avoid legal challenges.”
Under the new plans, the minimum number of residents within a local government area will rise to 150,000.
Mosman Mayor, Councillor Peter Abelson, said this would be a big shift for smaller communities such as Mosman.
“Mosman residents are justifiably concerned about a potential reduction in representation and our high service levels through amalgamation and there is also a lot of evidence that people are happier in small communities,” Cr Ableson said.
Mayor of Warringah Council, Councillor Michael Reagan, questioned the larger ramifications of the announcement.
“The decision to dismantle Warringah Council and divide its area between Pittwater and Manly/Mosman can only be politically motivated.
“It will cost ratepayers dearly and for no clear benefit. This was the verdict of every independent report – including those by our neighbours and the State Government.”
NSW Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said that under the proposal there would be no change to merged councils’ existing rate paths for four years.
Elsewhere, some councils have welcomed the State’s decision for their area.
Mayor of Armidale Dumaresq Council, Herman Beyersdorf, said the proposed merger with Guyra Council would make sense for the regional councils and welcomed the coordinated review process.
“This is similar to how Armidale City and Dumaresq Councils merged in 2000 and it allowed the community and elected representatives valuable input into the process.
“Guyra and Armidale Dumaresq Councils already work closely together under a very successful shared services arrangement in finance, fleet, HR and IT.
“The staff at both Councils already have well developed relationships and shared systems that should bode well for a strong future. For all intents and purposes it will be business as usual for all residents.”
To accommodate the review process, it is expected local government elections in NSW will now be delayed from September 2016 to March 2017.
Further maps and information on proposals and the review process can be found on the Council Boundary Review website.
