Great Lakes to develop a blueprint for a regional future
Great Lakes Council has resolved to acknowledge and is prepared to support the NSW Government's merger proposal for Great Lakes, Gloucester and Greater Taree City Councils subject to a blueprint for the merger being developed.
Council will engage independent consultants Morrison Lowe to assist with the preparation of Council's submission and suggested merger blueprint.
Council's General Manager, Mr Glenn Handford said "We are confident that our strategic direction and management practices are sound and in accord with the NSW Government's vision for the future of local government".
"Council has held a long term position to stand alone and has been found to be fit under the NSW Government's 'fit for the future' program. We were also found to be financially sustainable by the NSW Treasury Corporation. Whilst we could have stood alone, that option was not realistic or pragmatic in the current political climate. Council understands and has considered the NSW Government's direction on local government reform and mergers." - Mayor Cr Jan McWilliams.
"Council believes that, should a three-way merger proceed, it is vitally important to develop a strong strategy for a merger blueprint that will ensure the new council is appropriately structured for success and the delivery of efficient and effective services to the communities of the combined councils" added Mr Handford.
"Council believes we can bring our successful strategic management experience to a merged entity which would be a good thing for the whole region".
Council will be holding community information sessions across the Great Lakes next week to provide information to our community about how a merger may affect them and how they can have a say on the Minister's proposal. Please contact Council or check Council's website for dates and venues for our update meetings.
"We will also be keeping everyone updated via our website, media and social media platforms on all issues related to the merger proposal" said Mr Handford.
It's important that you have your say
"We urge our community to get involved in this vital issue for their community and make their views known to the NSW Government by attending a public enquiry meeting or making a submission to the boundary commission" said Cr McWilliams.
GREAT LAKES COUNCIL COMMUNITY MEETING
The GLC General Manager has invited us to participate in the next round of community information sessions.
The General Manager, senior management team and Councillors will be in attendance to discuss with the community how the current merger proposal (to merge Great Lakes, Greater Taree and Gloucester councils) may affect you and how you can have a say on the Minister's proposal. The date and venue for the local meeting is:
- Tea Gardens Baptist Church - Wed 30 March 2016 - 6pm
GLC is also keeping everyone up to date via Council's website http://www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au/News/Possible-Council-merger-back-on-the-table where you will find links to the State Government's proposal, information on how to make a submission and on the public enquiries being held by the Government in early April.
STATE GOVERNMENT PUBLIC ENQUIRIES
The Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government delegate, Dr Ian Tiley has indicated his desire to hear directly from the community on the merger proposal and Council encourages the community to have a say. Dr Tiley is holding public enquiries across the three council areas as follows:
- Club Taree - Monday 4 April 2016 - 4pm-8pm
- Club Forster - Tuesday 5 April 2016 - 9am-1pm
- Bulahdelah Bowling Club - Tuesday 5 April 2016 - 3pm-5pm
- Gloucester Soldiers Club - Wednesday 6 April 2016 - 9am-12pm
Please note that you must register to attend these public enquiries, either online at https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/gloucester-shire-great-lakes-and-greater-taree-city-councils/ or by calling 1300 813 020.
If you wish to speak at the enquiry, you are requested to do so when you register to attend.
Registrations to attend a public inquiry will close at 9am on the day prior to the public inquiry or earlier if the venue reaches its capacity.
