GLC's Community Engagement Meeting (Wednesday 30 March) focused almost entirely on the current proposals to merge GLC with Gloucester and Greater Taree councils.
General Manager Glenn Handford stressed the significantly better position that the Great Lakes Council is in when compared to either Gloucester or Taree. Of the three councils only GLC was assessed as both "fit for the future" 
and having a positive financial outlook. Glenn attributed this superiority to GLC's better management practices, better planning and the considerable work undertaken over recent years to address such things as the maintenance backlog. GLC had been assessed as sustainable in its current stand-alone format.
Gloucester and Greater Taree have extensive backlogs of works and there is a risk that a merged council will be set up for failure unless these issues are properly addressed. There is a potential for the quality of current GLC assets to decline over time if funds are diverted to address the backlogs elsewhere.
Rather than simply rejecting the merger proposal however, GLC has indicated that it is prepared to support it provided that a blueprint is developed to ensure that the new council is structured for success and delivery of efficient and effective services. However it still maintains the long-term position to stand alone.
The position, reinforced strongly by Mayor Jan McWilliams, was that if there is to be a merger, Great Lakes, with its acknowledged record of success, should take a lead role in whatever eventuates.
The Great Lakes Community is encouraged to give their feedback on the merger proposal. Options for how to respond can be found on the Council website.
The slide presentation from the meeting is attached below.
