The Minister’s [Local Government Minister Paul Toole] claim of $1 billion being available to help councils is very deceptive.

The minister’s own breakdown notes that $600 million is potential savings from cheaper finance.

Most importantly, it should be noted that none of it is grants for fixing infrastructure backlog. 

Nil.

Without grants to fix the roads and old wooden bridges of Dungog Shire, Maitland rates would in part go to fund these issues at the expense of Maitland’s needs.

Dungog is six times the size geographically though has about 10 per cent of Maitland’s population and therefore a low rate base.

I am willing to work toward an amalgamation if both councils agree, though it should not be forced by the Liberal government without many millions in grant funding for asset replacement, and I will fight for same if elected as MP.

Philip Penfold

Independent candidate for Maitland