A Maitland councillor has renewed calls for boundary adjustments after the state government revealed its latest plan for mergers within Hunter councils.
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Arch Humphery said the government’s announcement on Friday that Maitland would stand alone – while Port Stephens merged with Newcastle and Dungog merged with Gloucester – opened the door for boundary discussions.
He said Tarro, Beresfield and Wallalong should be part of the Maitland LGA.
“The council supplies the libraries, swimming pools and other facilities that these people use, yet we don't get the benefit of their rates,” he said.
“Take Wallalong for example, $120 million will go to Port Stephens council in Section 94 contributions and those people will do most of their business in Maitland.”
Boundary realignments were taken off the table when the Fit for the Future framework was being finalised.
