A DECLINING population, as well as efforts to save funds and reduce a $53 million infrastructure backlog have been identified as reasons for the proposed amalgamation between the New South Wales border shires of Wakool and Murray.
The New South Wales Government recently released a 20-page document outlining the benefits of merging the neighbouring councils to create a new municipality that would span the Murray River from Mathoura to Tooleybuc.
Wakool Shire Council is seeking the views of its residents with a series of meetings in district communities this week.
The first council-organised gathering was held at Wakool on Thursday and another was held at Murray Downs last night and there are more scheduled for Barham, Moulamein and Tooleybuc.
Wakool mayor, Cr Neil Gorey said the community gatherings were an opportunity for residents to learn more about the proposed merger.
The amalgamation has been recommended despite Wakool being assessed by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal as being “fit for the future”, as opposed to Murray which failed to achieve that status.
“As well as providing information around the proposed merger, the gatherings will also assist residents to understand the process and what they can do to either support or object to the merger,” Cr Gorey said.
Cr Gorey has previously said council was shocked by the proposed amalgamation, which is part of a State-wide process that would involve councils being reduced in number from 152 to 112.
Despite the “fit for the future” assessment following last year’s investigations into all municipalities across New South Wales, the report concedes the shire would have required a “joint organisation” to perform most of the council’s higher level functions.
It is anticipated the new municipality will cater for 12,000 residents by 2031, with the increasing population around Moama making up for residents leaving the remainder of the region.
Analysis conducted by KPMG in 2015 shows the proposed merger has the potential to generate a net financial saving of around $5 million to the new council during its first 20 years, with around $600,000 in savings to be generated annually from 2020 onwards.
The saving will come from streamlining senior management roles ($4.4 million); the redeployment of back office and administrative functions ($3.5 million); and efficiencies generated through increased purchasing power of materials and contracts ($1 million).
It is anticipated nine councillors will represent the new municipality, but consultation is needed to determine the exact figure.
Apart from Wakool Shire Council’s round of community consultations, the government has announced that it will conduct two formal public meetings on Tuesday, February 9 at Barham from 9am and at Moama from 2pm to allow residents to have their say.
Submissions can also be made to New South Wales Government-appointed delegate, Cheryl Thomas up to Sunday, February 28.
Wakool Shire Council’s meetings are scheduled between 7pm and 9pm tonight at the Tooleybuc Sporting Club, tomorrow night at cluBarham and on Thursday at the Moulamein Bowling Club.
