news, local-news, Greens, MLC, Dungog, Maitland, David Shoebridge
The state government will use the threat of forced amalgamations to make councils like Maitland and Dungog decide to merge voluntarily, Greens MLC David Shoebridge says. Mr Shoebridge visited Maitland on Wednesday to talk about the Greens’ stance against forced council mergers. “We know that the state government has a particular plan to merge Maitland and Dungog councils,” he said. “Their position so far, is that unless Maitland and Dungog can convince IPART [Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal] that they should not be merged, that the default is that this new mega council will be produced in the Hunter. “This is a state government that thinks it can effectively threaten local councils with mergers and force local councils to merge, so-called voluntarily. “The local government minister does not have the power to force amalgamations so our message is stand strong.” The Independent Local Government Review Panel has recommended changes to councils across NSW as part of the Fit for the Future reforms. Mergers have been recommended for many councils – including Maitland and Dungog. Councils have until the end of this month to submit a viable alternative to IPART if they do not wish to merge. Morrison Low Consultants will deliver the findings of an independent business case regarding a merger to Maitland and Dungog councils next week. Mr Shoebridge said the seven year annual rate rise approved for Maitland last year was one of several complicating factors in the debate over a possible merger with neighbouring Dungog. “Does he [Local Government Minister Paul Toole] have an answer to the ratepayers of Maitland and Dungog as to what will happen with the pool of money collected by Maitland ratepayers over the last few years? Will that be dissipated in Dungog?” Mr Shoebridge asked. “Does he have an answer to Dungog about whether their rates will go up to match the rates that are being paid in Maitland?”
GOVERNMENT’S HARD LINE: Greens MLC David Shoebridge with Maitland Greens members at Maitland Town Hall yesterday.
Picture by NICK BIELBY
The state government will use the threat of forced amalgamations to make councils like Maitland and Dungog decide to merge voluntarily, Greens MLC David Shoebridge says.
Mr Shoebridge visited Maitland on Wednesday to talk about the Greens’ stance against forced council mergers.
“We know that the state government has a particular plan to merge Maitland and Dungog councils,” he said.
“Their position so far, is that unless Maitland and Dungog can convince IPART [Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal] that they should not be merged, that the default is that this new mega council will be produced in the Hunter.
“This is a state government that thinks it can effectively threaten local councils with mergers and force local councils to merge, so-called voluntarily.
“The local government minister does not have the power to force amalgamations so our message is stand strong.”
The Independent Local Government Review Panel has
recommended changes to councils across NSW as part of the Fit for the Future reforms.
Mergers have been recommended for many councils – including Maitland and Dungog.
Councils have until the end of this month to submit a viable alternative to IPART if they do not wish to merge.
Morrison Low Consultants will deliver the findings of an independent business case regarding a merger to Maitland and Dungog councils next week.
Mr Shoebridge said the seven year annual rate rise approved for Maitland last year was one of several complicating factors in the debate over a possible merger with neighbouring Dungog.
“Does he [Local Government Minister Paul Toole] have an answer to the ratepayers of Maitland and Dungog as to what will happen with the pool of money collected by Maitland ratepayers over the last few years? Will that be dissipated in Dungog?” Mr Shoebridge asked.
“Does he have an answer to Dungog about whether their rates will go up to match the rates that are being paid in Maitland?”
