WITH the closing date for Fit for the Future submissions on June 30, most NSW councils have lodged their proposals by now.
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But an Upper House Inquiry into Local Government is also underway, which could stall the government’s reform process.
The NSW Legislative Council’s General Purpose Standing Committee No 6 is conducting an inquiry into local government in NSW. Councils have until today to make a submission.
Among a range of items, the inquiry is questioning the government’s Fit for the Future reform agenda, including the appropriateness of the deadline for proposals, as well as the costs and benefits of amalgamations for local residents and businesses.
Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle felt the inquiry was “unnecessary.”
“It is a stalling tactic by the Upper House,” he said.
“It has the potential to hold the government’s reform process up. This would be a shame because we support local government reform.”
His comments follow a submission to the inquiry by Goulburn Mulwaree, which was presented at last night’s council meeting.
“Goulburn Mulwaree Council makes it clear to the State Government that it believes that reforms of Local Government in NSW are essential if we are to remain relevant and provide services to the standard expected by communities from a modern day Local Government unit,” the submission states.
It states that previous council boundaries were formed “when horse and carts were the only means of transport” and that the only alteration that has occurred since those days has been amalgamations of full Councils. It also states that it is no longer the case that “every town and region needs a Mayor and general manager.”
Local government reform has not…”addressed a real community of interest with modern day transport and technology infrastructure,” the submission states.
Meanwhile, Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Shaw would not be drawn to comment on Goulburn Mulwaree’s Fit for the Future submission to remain as it was.
“I have no comment on the Goulburn Mulwaree submission,” Cr Shaw said.
“I only have a comment on ours and we are happy to be left alone as a stand alone council.
“We went with the Council improvement option and I am hopeful that the Local Government Minister sees it that way and that we go forward from there.
Goulburn Mulwaree are masters of their own destiny - and so are we.”