Maitland council will write to Newcastle City Council, Port Stephens Council and Cessnock City Council about possibly moving their boundaries as part of the state government’s Fit for the Future council reforms package.

A staff report to Maitland councillors tabled this week recommended the move. 

Cr Arch Humphery has long advocated for Maitland’s boundaries to include Beresfield, Wallalong and Greta, which are part of Newcastle, Port Stephens and Cessnock respectively.

He said that Maitland was missing out on income from ratepayers in these suburbs, which was unfair considering that many residents primarily used services in the Maitland local government area.

“We have ridiculous boundaries for Beresfield, Wallalong and Greta,” Cr Humphery said. “In Greta we have a situation where Maitland’s garbage trucks go up one side of the street and Cessnock’s trucks go up the other side of the street.”

The discussion of boundaries was linked to a decision to begin formal discussions with Dungog Shire Council about a possible merger at this week’s council meeting.

Maitland general manager David Evans said at the meeting that merger discussions would not prevent the city’s representatives from approaching neighbouring councils to canvass the possibility of boundary changes.

Cr Humphery said it was positive that boundary discussions would go ahead, but he said it was important for the total issue, involving Beresfield, Wallalong and Greta, to be dealt with.

“We need independent, logical advice to what the solution is,” he said.

“Why would Port Stephens give up Section 94 contributions when we supply most of the services? It’s a cash cow for them.

“If the boundaries were in a more sensible place to begin with then councils would be more sustainable.”

Councils across NSW have until June 30 to submit preferences about their future directions.