Submissions to the Public Enquiry into the proposed merger of Great Lakes with Greater Taree and Gloucester Councils closed earlier today (15 April). Great Lakes Council has now published its lengthy submission on the Council website. The Executive Summary repeats the Council's preparedness to cooperate with the NSW Government on local government reform but also notes:
... Our submission on this merger proposal will show that there are many risks associated with the merger. The government proposal contains very little detailed information and leaves many unanswered questions around the viability of a new entity. This is a significant merger proposal and one which will create the largest council on the coast of NSW. Without a full review of the merger, as would take place with any large corporate merger, there are risks associated with the efficient and effective delivery of services to residents across the three council areas. GLC is particularly concerned about the impact on the residents of the Great Lakes who have worked with Council over many years to create a sustainable council which delivers services in line with the needs of the local community on a financially sustainable basis. Through our engagement with the Great Lakes community on the merger proposal we have received a strong message from the community that they oppose the merger. ...
Following the Residents Meeting held in the Cove on Saturday 9 April, a Residents Association submission was also made to the Public Enquiry. Some parts of this submission (attached below) will seem familiar to readers of this website as it includes portions of articles previously published on the site.
