Mosman residents not keen on joining Manly in council amalgamation

We could soon be getting cosier with Mosman if the planned council amalgamation goes ahead. But it appears our neighbours are not keen on the idea.

They’re  our posh neighbours across The Spit Bridge. But Mosman residents could soon be more like our housemates if their council is merged with Manly and half of Warringah.

Last week’s State Government decision to lump our southern friends in with the northern beaches surprised many, including Mosman Mayor Peter Abelson, who warned: “If everything is going to run from Manly Beach, that’s not going to work.”

Assuming these amalgamations go ahead and we become one big — partly unhappy family — it’s worth taking a look at who our new fellow residents are.

Mosman covers 865 hectares and is home to around 30,000 people, including Channel 9 presenter Sonia Kruger (who has just bought a house in Balmoral), artist Ken Done and racehorse trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Genteel Mosman has a reputation for being home to many retirees and that’s partly true.

Data from the 2011 Census found that 22.8 per cent of residents were aged 60 and over, compared with 18 per cent in Greater Sydney.

The census also showed that the highest percentage of Mosman residents (23.4 per cent) were aged between 35 to 49.

Mosman Council has been providing services to its residents since it was established in 1893.

There are around 160 staff and seven councillors, including the mayor. That roughly works out at one councillor to every 4200 residents.

Data from the Department of Local Government showed the average residential rate in 2013/14 was $1208.75.

Perhaps, not surprisingly, one of the other key revenue raisers for Mosman is parking, particularly at Balmoral Beach where bathers fork out as much as $9 per hour. The Mosman Daily has also reported that the council was planning to install satellite technology that could notify rangers via text message the moment drivers overstay their limits.

The leafy suburb has 29 parks and reserves, 13 playgrounds, and five ovals.

Mosman Council also maintains six beaches, though notably not the two nude beaches, which are part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.

And finally, on the all important issue of council clean-ups, Mosman residents get two scheduled collections each year.

We asked Mosman residents if they were in favour of the State Government’s plans to amalgamate Mosman Council with Manly and part of Warringah.

Greg Carr

GREG CARR

My preference being a long-time Mosman resident is to maintain an individual council because I think they have our best interests at heart.

Jim Meagher.

JIM MEAGHER

I think amalgamation is a good idea. I’ve seen it work in Toronto and in Brisbane and I think it is more efficient.

Bob Coulthurst.

BOB COLTHURST

In principal I’m in favour of councils amalgamating because we over-govern. It might mean reduced costs in duplication and more efficiency. If done properly, I’m in favour.

Marilyn Hovey

MARILYN HOVEY

l think Mosman would be better to go to North Sydney because the waterway (Spit Bridge) is a natural boundary. I think it should be Manly to Palm Beach as one council.

Rochelle Swift

ROCHELLE SWIFT

What I like about Mosman is it is a nice little community. I don’t like the idea of it being combined into a bigger council with other communities. I think it should stay as it is.

Gai Meredith.

GAI MEREDITH

I’m very unhappy about it. I am very happy with Mosman Council. I think Mosman is a very big suburb and Manly is a big suburb and it is hard enough running them as they are. Each should govern itself.

MARIA HREGLACH

I think councils should only have to amalgamate if they want to. I don’t think it will save much money. If Mosman did have to amalgamate, I think we should be with North Sydney Council.

PETER WARGENT

Mr Baird and the government have not to date put forward a single, independent, cohesive argument that amalgamation is economically effective and will give the community better service.

JAN SALAVA

I don’t think it is a good idea. I think each area should be able to make rules for itself. Places can lose their identity.