A PROPOSED de-merger of the Murray River Council will not proceed after the New South Wales Government committed its support to municipalities that have already amalgamated.
Following weeks of speculation, Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed on Tuesday municipalities formed following the implementation of Fit for the Future recommendations will remain in place.
Twenty newly-formed municipalities – including Murray River Council, which incoporates the former shires of Murray and Wakool, covering the northern banks of the Murray River and surrounds from Mathoura to Tooleybuc – will continue to operate, with other planned rural mergers to be canned.
“New councils across New South Wales have been working hard to deliver better services for their communities,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Residents and ratepayers would be worse off if this was undone.”
Since its formation in May, efforts have occurred to ensure communities located throughout the new municipality are supported.
“Since Murray River Council was proclaimed last May, we have been working hard to give residents and ratepayers a better deal,” council administrator, David Shaw said.
“Every decision Murray River Council has made is guided by one principle – doing what’s right for residents and ratepayers.
“By working smarter, we’re finding more money that can be put back into frontline services and better infrastructure.”
As part of the merger agreement, $10 million from the government’s Stronger Communities Fund has been allocated to infrastructure and community projects, with council reviewing and prioritising its 68 services.
“The State Government has made it clear they are committed to the new councils and there will be no de-amalgamation,” Mr Shaw said.
“That is good news because Murray River Council is achieving so much for the community.”
Council’s first elections will be held in September, with three representatives coming from each of the municipality’s three wards – Greater Murray, Greater Wakool and Moama.
“Residents of Murray River Council can rest assured that when the reins are handed over to the new councillors in a few months, the community will be a better place,” Mr Shaw said.
