The President of Local Government New South Wales has given evidence on day one of a state government inquiry into council reforms.
Former Coffs Mayor and Local Government President Keith Rhoades told the inquiry amalgamations had actually driven rates higher in other states including Victoria and Queensland.
Councillor Rhoades said the state government had consistently claimed ‘Fit for the Future’ reforms – including possible amalgamations – were designed to drive down rates and provide better services, yet had failed to deliver any evidence to support its case.
