A large, vocal crowd has packed a golf club at Salamander Bay, for the first public hearing into the proposed Port Stephens-Newcastle council merger.
30 speakers are listed for this morning’s hearing, which forms part of the state government’s public inquiry into local government amalgamations.
Port Stephens Council has been vocal in its opposition to the merger.
Last month it voted in support of a $200,000 campaign to fight the move.
A second public hearing will be held at Marina Views Function Centre in Newcastle from 3-5pm this afternoon, as well as an evening session from 7-10pm.
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