WITH New South Wales local government finances in a “weak”
position, one mayor believes amalgamation is inevitable, while the other rejects
the suggestion outright.
Both Balranald Shire and Wakool shires are part of
the 40 per cent of NSW councils judged to have Weak, Very Weak or Distressed
finances in a study by NSW Treasury Corporation.
A recently released
discussion paper from the Independent Local Government Review Panel examined the
viability and future options for councils in NSW.
The paper claims
populations of less than 5000 are not sufficient to support a standard local
government model in the medium-to-long term. Projected 2025 populations of
Balranald and Wakool local government areas are 2032 and 4300 residents
respectively.
As the discussion paper went out for public consultation last
week, the current NSW government reiterated their policy of no forced
amalgamations.
Despite this, the panel’s preferred option for Wakool would be
to merge with Conargo, Murray, and Deniliquin councils.
Wakool Mayor Andrew
Douglas said amalgamation seemed “inevitable” and he was surprised that the
proposed merger was not larger.
Balranald Mayor Steve O’Halloran said his shire, at its current size and
population base, was successful.
More on this story in Monday’s edition of The Guardian (29/4/13)
