THREE councillors will represent residents living in the former Wakool Shire Council area when elections for the newly-formed Murray River Council occur in September 2017.
New South Wales Premier, Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government, Peter Toole announced last Wednesday the Wakool Shire and bordering Murray Shire would amalgamate, creating one of the largest municipalities in southern part of the State.
Wakool’s six councillors were dismissed from their elected duties following the government decision, which coincided with the creation of 19 new municipalities through mergers across New South Wales.
Tomorrow’s scheduled council meeting has been cancelled following the merger announcement.
“This is a very devastating time for the community and staff of Wakool Shire Council,” former mayor and Barham resident, Neil Gorey said.
“I am very disappointed and flabbergasted by the merger.”
Wakool Shire Council opposed the merger, arguing during the months following the proposed amalgamation become public in December last year the plan was financially viable and the new council, which spans the Murray River between Mathoura and Tooleybuc, have no shared community interests.
Residents and community groups also raised these issues with delegate, Cheryl Thomas during consultation sessions at Barham and Moama, held in February.
In her report to the New South Wales Office for Local Government, Ms Thomas wrote there was a lack of sufficient supporting evidence, specially financial and communities of interest matters, that prevented her from conclusively reaching position in regards to whether the merger should proceed.”
“Ms Thomas said in the report the case the merger will save $3 million over 20 years is not justified,” Mr Gorey said.
The new municipality will be served by nine councillors after elections in September 17, with three representatives to come from the Greater Wakool Ward.
Six others will come from the former Murray Shire Council area, with half to be elected from a ward based around Moama.
David Shaw – who was Murray Shire Council’s administrator after its councillor were suspended in February, will act as the new council’s administrator until next year’s election.
Former Murray Shire general manager, Margot Stork will be the interim general manager for the new municipality, with former Wakool acting general manager, Lee Rosser the new municipality’s deputy general manager.
All Wakool Shire Council staff members are now under the Murray River Council organisational structure, determined by legislation approving the merger process.
The new council will receive up to $15 million to invest in community projects, as well as $10 million to streamline administrative practices and cut red tape.
Ratepayers will also pay no more for their rates than they would have under their former council for the next four years.
