North Sydney Council’s anti-merger spend blasted by State Government
NORTH Sydney Council has spent $365,000 of ratepayer funds on its fight to stay independent — a move that the State Government says is a waste.
North Shore
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- North Sydney fights forced merger
- Councils united in desire to stay divided
- Mosman to launch legal action against merger
- Ratepayers bear $290K merger bill
THE State Government has launched a strongly-worded attack against “dysfunctional” North Sydney Council after it was revealed $365,000 of ratepayer funds has been spent on its anti-merger fight.
Local Government Minister Paul Toole’s office slammed the waste of money on “lavish gifts, self-serving campaigns or legal costs”.
It was further revealed that departing general manager Warwick Winn received multiple store gift cards to the value of $8000 for his controversial farewell present.
“The behaviour of North Sydney Council demonstrates the need for local government reform in this state,” said a spokeswoman for Local Government Minister Paul Toole.
“North Sydney Council has no qualms about wasting ratepayers’ money, whether it be on lavish gifts, self-serving campaigns or legal costs incurred as councillors fight amongst each other.”
The spokeswoman added that each merger proposal is the result of careful consideration of all the evidence including four years of consultation with councils, independent assessments and feedback from communities.
Under the plan North Sydney would be dissolved by the State Government to create a bigger entity with Willoughby and Mosman. Two different merger options are on the table.
A spokeswoman for North Sydney said it has resolved to “vigorously oppose” forced amalgamation on several occasions.
“The $365,540 has covered a range of things including professional advice, marketing materials such as banners and flyers, and the distribution of leaflets to residents advising them of the merger proposals and public inquiries,” she said.
The figure is larger than the spend of its potential partners on the issue. Willoughby Council recently estimated its costs at $247,000, while Mosman Council’s estimate was $42,000. Mosman has also readied a $100,000 war chest for a potential legal fight.
North Sydney’s spend is divided into four sections.
The biggest slice, totalling $277,780, was spent on its initial campaign against the merger. This is believed to include the fees for lobbyists Hawker Britton.
Legal fees have cost the council $37,002 to date.
And North Sydney has also spent a combined $50,758 on crafting its responses to the two separate merger proposals.
The spend was revealed in documents tabled at the latest council meeting.
Farewell gift
North Sydney Council had up to $8000 to play with when it came to choosing a gift for the now departed general manager Warwick Winn.
This could have purchased anything from a luxury watch to a dream beach holiday. But the council has confirmed he received the full $8000 in gift vouchers to the “stores of his choice”.
Sources have revealed the vouchers were for Harvey Norman and a homewares store. At Harvey Norman there is plenty to choose from with lounge suites, curved televisions and outdoor kitchens among its luxury items.
The size of the gift divided councillors but had the backing of the majority.
Mayor Jilly Gibson is still furious with the decision made by the councillors.
“There’s been a backlash from the community regarding this overgenerous farewell gift,” she said.
“Before these councillors push the yes button they should pause for a moment and consider whose money they are spending.”
She urged Mr Winn to give the money back.
Cr Stephen Barbour said an artwork representing Mr Winn’s time in North Sydney would have been “much more appropriate” than vouchers.
Cr Jeff Morris told the Mosman Daily he stood by what he said and that the gift should have been $10,000.
Mr Winn has landed a role at a Melbourne council. The Mosman Daily tried to contact Mr Winn for comment. Like the Mosman Daily on Facebook.
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