GREG PIPER PUSHES FOR CONSOLIDATION OF THREE HUNTER COUNCILS
Independent Lake Macquarie MP, Greg Piper, is pushing for the consolidation of of three Hunter council areas, as a solution to the Fit for the Future reforms.
Mr Piper has put the proposal forward to Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole, which would create three councils between the Central Coast and Port Stephens, with populations ranging between 225,000 and 260,000.
The independent says the proposal is about smart strategic planning.
“With lower costs to residents, aligned goals and values, strategic service provision and the capacity to grow – then let us create within the Hunter, three consolidated areas”.
Mr Piper has suggested a merger of Lake Macquarie Council and the northern Wyong Council area, a combined Newcastle and Port Stephens council and a merger of parts of Wyong and Gosford.
A submission process is currently underway across the state; council’s earmarked for mergers must respond to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s review by November 18.
If the State Government is going to force its will on local Councils regardless of local wishes, is looks to be a better option than their destructive ideas.