Councilors last night passed a five point motion tabled by Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes after three hours of discussion.
The motion expressed council's desire to stand alone; described the state government's assessment of its ability to do so as flawed; asked the government to keep its $20 million sweetener for any potential merger on the table; and stated that the only merger it would consider would be one with Port Stephens.
However, the move could backfire, with the government threatening to sack councils which refuse to amalgamate in line with the pricing regulator's recommendations.
Newcastle Greens councilors want a poll of residents conducted if the government was to go ahead with a forced merger of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils, saying the government should pick up the $400,000 price tag for such a move.
Port Stephens Mayor, Bruce MacKenzie is less than impressed with talk of a marriage with Newcastle, describing the council as a 'second rate' and 'basket case' council which he 'wouldn't let near' his ratepayers.
Unlike Newcastle, Port Stephens Council has been assessed as fit to stand alone.
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| Newcastle councilors prepare to discuss the proposed merger with Lake Macquarie last night |
