Central Coast Council merger set to remain in place despite talk of State Government backflip
THE amalgamation of Central Coast Council is set to continue despite talk of a possible NSW Government backflip in other parts of state.
Central Coast
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TERRIGAL state Liberal MP Adam Crouch has quashed rumours the Central Coast could be part of the State Government’s plan to backflip on forced council amalgamations.
Despite talk of the Berejiklian Government backtracking on a number of forced and strongly opposed council mergers, Mr Crouch confirmed to the Express Advocate the Central Council Council amalgamation process was set to continue.
“We have been the role model for the rest of the state,” Mr Crouch said.
“Our geographical area and size made perfect sense to amalgamate the two councils as a regional council.
“There will be absolutely no change to the amalgamated Central Coast Council.
“I’m absolutely delighted — as is the Central Coast community — of how well the amalgamation has worked.
“We are a shining light on how it should be done.
“The Central Coast is recognised as a region, which is why this model is working so well here.
“We’ve had overwhelmingly positive feedback from our community that it was the right thing to do.”
Rumours continue to circulate the government is “considering” plebiscites for other local councils that have strongly opposed the mergers including Woollahra Council in Sydney’s east.
The government has already created 20 new councils, but 11 are still in the pipeline.
Opposition spokesman for the Central Coast David Harris said it was Labor’s policy to push for a plebiscite in 2019.
“Ratepayers should be the ones to decide on whether they want amalgamations,” Mr Harris said. “There needs to be a democratic process.
“You can’t just say to the ones still fighting the mergers that we’ll let you off but then keep in place those already forced to merge. It’s not fair.
“This is like the greyhounds issue: (the government) upset everybody and pleased no-one.”
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