Christmas and New Year are behind us, now we are looking forward to 2016 or are we.
For many New South Wales (NSW) councils, the prospect of amalgamation is being faced. We at FOCUS have received numerous media releases from councils asserting that they do not want to merge, that they are being forced to merge despite meeting the government’s own criteria for sustainability, efficiency and good management, and they will continue the fight to stand alone. Those willing to keep up the fight will need yet another submission to state their case in the hope of a reprieve, this time to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government.
The final submissions are to be lodged by Sunday 28 February and a proclamation is expected in mid-2016. Already some councils are accepting of the “inevitable” outcome although not necessarily happily. If the mergers proceed as they did in Victoria 20 years ago will the services in the small communities still be local and available to the residents?
The Councils are adamant that services will continue, as is the State Government, but once the mergers are complete what recourse will residents have?
A Mulwala/Yarrawonga resident said, “If Mulwala moves to Berrigan how will we get our potholes and roads looked after from way over there, they won’t care what happens to us, they won’t be locals.”
Councils are now urging residents to lodge submissions. The NSW Government is seen to be on an unwavering path towards amalgamations and it may be the voice of the community is the only one that will be heard.
Meanwhile in Victoria rate capping legislation passed through the Victorian Parliament on the 4th of December 2015, which will cap council rates increases to the inflation rate of 2.5 percent for 2016-17.
We may be heralding in a year of unrest not a year of good cheer.
