HUNTER AND CENTRAL COAST COUNCILS TAKE THE PLUNGE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT MERGERS

As potential local government mergers continue to hang over regional councils, three Hunter and Central Coast councils have voluntarily taken the plunge in the last 24 hours.

Gosford Council yesterday voted to unite with Wyong Council, with councillors in the south voting 7-3 in favour of a Central Coast super council.

Just hours later, at an extraordinary meeting, Lake Macqaurie City Council finalised its Fit for the Future proposal, to extend its boundary to the south to include north Wyong.

It’s not known how council boundaries will be drawn up following the two decisions, which both propose a consolidation of land in Wyong north.

But Lake Macquarie Mayor, Jodie Harrison, says their proposal best suits the needs of the local community.

“We believe whole heartedly, despite the decision of Gosford and Wyong councils, that a combined Lake Macquarie / north Wyong council area, along with a combined Gosford/ south Wyong is the best outcome for the Lake region,” Cr Harrison said.

The move also sets a precedent for the possible amalgamation of Newcastle and Port Stephens councils, but not all are welcoming the move, with protestors gathering in Newcastle today.

Councils have until tomorrow to submit a proposal to the state government on its Fit for the Future reforms, they’ll be told of their future by the end of the year.