The New South Wales council amalgamation process drags on, with mixed results for councils handed down by the Land and Environment Court earlier this week.
Justice Time Moore dismissed attempts by Hunters Hill, Lane Cove, Ku-Ring-Gai and Shellharbour Councils to block amalgamations with neighbouring councils.
The councils will have the opportunity to appeal the decision over the coming week.
There was better news for Mosman, North Sydney and Strathfield Councils, who have sidestepped pending mergers – at least temporarily – due to flaws found in the respective reports.
Justice Moore ruled the report proposing a merger between Mosman, North Sydney and Willoughby Councils was not valid because it ignored a mandatory requirement of the Local Government Act – “the need to ensure that the opinions of each of the diverse communities of the resulting area or areas are effectively represented.”
Mosman Council has welcomed the decision and at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday night, resolved to continue to campaign for independence.
Mosman Mayor Peter Abelson said the Council is working with its legal team to decide the best path forward.
“What we’re doing now is working to ensure that every reasonable opportunity is taken to continue fighting for Mosman’s independence.
“Council has been unequivocal in its belief that amalgamation will negatively impact Mosman residents and ratepayers. Our community has repeatedly told us they don’t want to merge and we remain committed to representing and protecting their interests.
“The judgment is a complex and multi-layered one, and Council’s legal team is continuing to review the 127-page document. The best way forward for Council is likely to become evident over the next week or so.”
