Peninsula community in shock with Warringah to be split in half under Premier’s amalgamation scheme

WARRINGAH Mayor Michael Regan has slammed the state government’s decision to split his council in half under local government reform, commenting the community has been “let down”.

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WARRINGAH Mayor Michael Regan has slammed the state government’s decision to split his council in half under local government reform, commenting the community has been “let down”.

Under the amalgamation changes — that were set to be announced later this morning — a Greater Pittwater and Greater Manly council will be created.

Greater Pittwater will take northern parts of Warringah. Greater Manly council will include the remainder of Warringah plus Mosman Council.

Warringah Mayor Michael Regan said this morning that the merger didn’t make sense.

“I am just genuinely disappointed — it’s not genuine reform and it fails its own test of scale and capacity,” he said.

“I had a phone call last night, I said ‘wow’, OK, I’m sure that will outrage a few residents.”

“We just won the Bluett award for being the most innovative and efficient council in the state — it just doesn’t make any sense.”

In terms of how the suburbs will be split, Cr Regan said he only knew a few details.

“On what was said to us, Cromer and Collaroy and Belrose will go to Pittwater and Dee Why will go to Mosman and Manly.”

Manly Mayor Jean Hay said she wasn’t surprised by the decision and was pleased her council did submit the option as a backup.

“As far as I'm concerned there aren’t any real surprises,” she said.

“Even though our community did indicate we wanted to stand alone, it was quite obvious that doing nothing was not an option.”

“I recognised that and this is why I encouraged our councillors to have a plan be so that at least we could be masters of our own destiny.”

Cr Hay said she would be pleased to have Mosman merge with the council to keep the SHOROC councils together.

“It’s very important in regards to keeping Kimbriki on the northern beaches because the Kimbriki tip shareholders in that are the four shoroc council so by keeping Mosman in the loop that ensures that the four shareholders will stay together.”

Despite lobbying for an independent council, Pittwater Mayor Jacqueline Townsend send she has welcomed the decision.

“We are pleased that our local MPs have listened to our community on the importance of retaining local identity and local representation.”

“Two equally balanced councils will lead to even better services, more infrastructure and downward pressure on rates.”

“We look forward to working with our neighbours, the community and State Government throughout the next stage of local government reform.”