Georges River council propose boundary change to Canterbury-Bankstown council
A proposed boundary shake-up which could see a portion of Canterbury-Bankstown absorbed into a neighbouring council has been labelled as a “land grab” and “political stunt”.
The Express
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A proposed boundary shake-up which could see a portion of Canterbury-Bankstown absorbed into a neighbouring council has been labelled as a “land grab” and “political stunt”.
Canterbury-Bankstown councillor Karl Saleh has called on Georges River council to “leave our city alone” following mayor Sam Elmir’s proposal to extend the Georges River Local Government Area and make M5 the new boundary line between councils.
The potential restructure tabled during Mr Elmir’s mayoral minute on Monday would include parts of Canterbury-Bankstown, specifically land south of the M5 motorway, west of King Georges Rd and east of Salt Pan Creek.
Mr Elmir said both council’s boundaries follow the M5 motorway to the east and a number of “lower order roads” which has the effect of “dividing small communities” within the suburbs of Riverwood, Narwee and Beverly Hills.
“The use of local roads in dividing LGAs has the effect of creating isolated pockets of the community which are subject to different community services and planning,” he said.
He argued using a “significant physical feature” – the M5 Motorway – as the new boundary line would “avoid the creation of isolated communities” and bring divided suburbs into one local government area.
Canterbury-Bankstown councillor Karl Saleh hit back at the plans and said the boundary shuffle “seems to be brought up by Georges River just before elections as a political stunt”.
“If I have not already made my point clear above, Georges River must stop playing politics and leave our city alone,” he said.
Mr Saleh argued there was “no real community benefit” for the boundary change and “one can only assume there is some political driver” as the financial benefits for ratepayers were also unclear.
“Canterbury (council) before, and Canterbury-Bankstown (council) now, have invested significant ratepayers funds into the Riverwood wetlands, the Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre, the new Library, the turf cricket wickets, the Riverwood Community Centre and so much more,” he said.
“This land grab would effectively be stealing from the ratepayers of Canterbury Bankstown and it’s not on.”
The Labor councillor further argued there was no consultation or engagement with Canterbury-Bankstown council staff, mayor or ward councillors.
“If there was to be a sensible conversation about our boundary with Georges River (council)
there are many more options that would make more sense such as moving the boundary south to the railway line,” Mr Saleh said.
A Georges River council spokesperson said while there was broad in principle support, the motion did not pass and mayor Elmir referenced the broad 65 per cent of community support in 2016.
The Office of Local government and Canterbury-Bankstown council have been contacted for comment.
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