Port Stephens Mayor Wants Voluntary Merger With Dungog Council

BY IAN CROUCH & JARROD MELMETH

There's speculation Port Stephens and Dungog councils could still merge despite the state government ruling out forced amalgamations in the Hunter.

Plans to merge Port Stephens and Newcastle Councils have now been officially dropped.

However, Port Stephens Mayor, Bruce MacKenzie says linking up with the struggling Dungog Council could still be on the cards.

"..and I know some people don't go along with that - some sort of voluntary merger between Dungog and Port Stephens - that's if both councils agree. Probably Port Stephens might agree but I think Dungog are still living in fantasy land that they can stand alone. Well, if they stand alone, they are not going to provide adequate services to the people of Dungog," he said.

Dungog Mayor, Harold Johnston has responded saying Port Stephens and Dungog are two completely different councils.

"Port Stephens is a large coastal council, we are a small rural council.

"We don't have that much really in connection with them [Port Stephens], we have much more in connection with Maitland through transport, schools, shopping, medical and education," he said.

Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie

State Government Rethinks Council Mergers

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is rethinking its policy on council amalgamations, with the future of Four Hunter councils still up in the air.

Premier Gladys Berejikian is reportedly looking at plebiscites at the next local government elections, giving residents a say on whether council mergers should go ahead.

Voters may also be given a say on the possibility of unpicking mergers which have already gone ahead.

Newcastle is in line to amalgamate with Port Stephens Council, while a merger between Maitland and Dungog has also been earmarked.

Premier Gladys Berejikian

Renewed calls to end council mergers

BY TYLER FARDELL

The government's controversial forced council amalgamations policy continues to be an issue with Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington calling for the mergers to be scrapped.

Ms Washington has stated her intentions to meet with new Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack and discuss the issue.

“As the government's Hunter representative it is vital that Ms Cusack doesn’t just meet with Councils, but also with the residents and businesses who will be negatively impacted by forced mergers.”

The mergers were proposed over a year ago, yet there is still no definitive decision over many council's futures.

The proposed amalgamation between Newcastle and Port Stephens council as well Dungog and Maitland councils are still in limbo, which is having an impact on many council decisions.

The issue was put back in the spotlight when deputy premier Barilaro stated the would be no more 'mergers in the bush', however Ms Cusack says the mergers are a good thing.

Kate Washington

Hunter councils still face uncertain future

BY JARROD MELMETH

Uncertainty about the proposed council mergers in the Hunter will continue to be drawn out with local council elections possibly being pushed back to 2020 if something isn't done soon.

The office of local government has written to the four hunter councils facing amalgamation, warning them that unless mergers are finalized by August next year, they could be waiting until 2020 for an election.

New councils not created before August 2017, would not be able to hold elections before September 2019 to prevent an overlap with the 2019 state election.

The state opposition is demanding the minister for local government move urgently to determine council mergers in the Hunter to avoid a four-year wait for the next election.

Leader of the Opposition Luke Foley says democracy delayed is democracy denied.

"In Orange, constituents have demonstrated how unpopular forced mergers are. The Government needs to listen - not delay local elections," he said.

Councils that are still subject to merger proposals are being told they need to have an election date set.

The electoral commission or the local government office have not confirmed whether these councils would have elections within their existing boundaries.

Shadow Minister for Local Councils Peter Primrose is accusing the Baird government of making this up as they go along.

"The gun is still being held at the head of local councils and their local communities.

"This is just an ongoing dog's breakfast of a process. People aren't being consulted and now they're being told they may not have elections until September 2020, that is just a crazy thing in terms of local democracy

"Mike Baird can be sure that the communities that have been denied democracy will send a message come 2019," Mr. Primrose said.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole says "the minister is considering all proposals following the receipt of all the Delegates reports and comments from the Boundaries Commission."

NSW Premier Mike Baird was not available for comment.

Shadow Minister for Local Government
Peter Primrose

NSW Leader of the Opposition
Luke Foley.

Newcastle Council Considers Suing State Government Over Forced Merger

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle Council is considering heading to court in a bid to stop a merger with Port Stephens.

Greens councillors will ask their colleagues to support a motion at tonight's meeting to take legal action if the state government ends up pushing ahead with amalgamation.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes reportedly likes the idea but critics have labelled it a waste of ratepayers money.