It’s business as usual at Murray River Council despite speculation that a plebiscite may be held for ratepayers to vote on a demerger.
The former Wakool and Murray shires were forcibly merged in May last year under the leadership of then New South Wales Premier Mike Baird but his resignation three weeks ago has thrown council mergers across the state into disarray.
New premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the widely unpopular policy of amalgamation had been discussed in cabinet but said she wasn’t ready to make an announcement on the matter.
A change in policy could spare 11 councils that have yet to be merged while ratepayers in the 20 councils that had already merged could be given the chance to vote on a demerger.
Murray River Shire general manager Margot Stork (an outspoken opponent of the merger in her former job as Murray Shire general manager) said that talk of a plebiscite was merely speculation.
To read more of this story, grab a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (February 8).
