Mayor Hans Hietbrink and Deputy Audrey McArdle will represent Guyra at the NSW Local Government Conference which takes place in Coffs Harbour from Sunday October 19 to 21.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The divisive issue of local government amalgamations, is shaping up as the lightning rod issue at the annual conference for councils from across NSW, as they look to find better alternatives to forced mergers.
Ahead of the conference Mayor’s and General Managers from around the region will meet in Guyra on Friday to go over their options following the release of the NSW government’s ‘Fit for the Future’ package.
The seven council’s who will be represented at the meeting are Walcha, Uralla, Armidale, Inverell, Glen Innes, Tenterfield and Guyra.
The meeting is being coordinated by the NSW Premiers Department and Guyra Shire Council General Manager Peter Stewart said this will be an opportunity to meet with other councils and consider the impact of the review and find a way forward.
Councils are required to make a submission by 30 June 2015 on how they plan to be Fit for the Future, and will be assessed by independent experts against independently-set criteria.
Mr Stewart said that Guyra’s close geographical connection and community of interest with Armidale means we are a high priority for amalgamation.
He said that while Guyra’s first position is to maintain its independence, he is highly supportive of more regional co-operation among neighbouring councils.
Councils which become Fit for the Future will have access to a range of initiatives to help provide improved services and infrastructure, including:
• access to a State borrowing facility to fund local infrastructure;
• more flexibility with procurement and simplified reporting;
• access to a streamlined IPART process for setting rates; and
• eligibility for additional planning powers.
Rob Lenehan, who was heavily involved in the community movement to save the Guyra Shire Council from forced amalgamation three years ago, says he is bewildered by Council’s recent consideration of the State Government’s recommendation.
“I can assure the Mayor and the Councillors that the majority of ratepayers and the general community are in favour of our Council remaining autonomous now and in the future,” he said.
He said that after being informed that Guyra Shire Council was healthy financially and in a secure state during the term of former General Manager David Cushway, one must ask the question as to what has happened to put the Council in a position where amalgamation is necessary for the future viability as muted by the current General Manager?
“The current offers of money from the State Government can only be seen as a token gesture with no long term guarantee for the future of Guyra Shire Council,” Mr Lenehan said. “The community would not want to see our Council sold down the drain to be forced to join with Armidale Dumaresq Council who are of doubtful viability and are currently in turmoil at leadership/councillor level.”
“With the adoption of the Special Rate Variation earlier this year, we were told this would see Guyra Shire Council remain viable into the future, so why do we need to go down the path of amalgamation?”
“Surely a strong, vibrant and expanding Council (which Guyra is), has the potential for huge growth and would be in a great position for attracting extra funding? But once amalgamated with Armidale Dumaresq Council and Uralla, this may not be the case.”
Mr Lenehan said that much more community opinion is needed on this matter, especially amongst the ratepayers, so that we can be assured that the future of Guyra Shire Council in its current form remains.
