STATE MP Pru Goward says she couldn't be happier that Goulburn Mulwaree has been left alone in council reforms.
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Ms Goward was briefed on the result along with other MPs in a Coalition party room meeting yesterday morning.
"It's a wonderful outcome," she told the Post.
"Every council (in my electorate) bar one had a merger proposed for it and I've got the right outcome for each and I'm thrilled.
"I'm pleased (Local Government Minister) Paul Toole has listened to my lobbying."
Ms Goward said she opposed Goulburn Mulwaree's initial three-way merger proposal between itself, Upper Lachlan and Yass Valley because it "would have hurt Goulburn financially." Not only would Upper Lachlan's 'huge' road network cost money but it and Yass Valley argued strongly to stand alone," she told the Post.
For these reasons she defended her decision not to back Goulburn Mulwaree's initial push for the amalgamation.
She said she could not be enthusiastic about it given the large road base and Yass Valley's and Upper Lachlan's opposition. She took her concerns to Mr Toole.
As a result the State Government proposed Goulburn Mulwaree's merger with part of Palerang Shire, a plan both councils vehemently opposed. She suspected Queanbeyan Council played a strong role drawing up the boundaries.
"It meant Goulburn ended up with the country end of Palerang and it would have cost it hugely with such a large road base," she said.
Following meetings with Mayor Geoff Kettle and Monaro MP John Barilaro, Ms Goward said she again lobbied the case for Goulburn Mulwaree to stand alone.
"Palerang will now be entirely merged with Queanbeyan, which is wonderful," she said.
Queanbeyan had also wanted to stand alone, or if merged, take in the growth area of Palerang, including Bungendore. But in April that council endorsed a marriage with Palerang on condition the Government provided $30m assistance, double the amount it was promising merged councils. This way the amalgamation would be "cost neutral," Queanbeyan Mayor Tim Overall argued.
Ms Goward said the Minister did not address this in his announcment and it was a matter for Mr Barilaro and the new council.
She believed Yass Valley with its proximity to Murrumbateman and "rapid growth" would be sustainable on its own.
"Upper Lachlan needs additional support but there is nothing to be gained from either council merging," Ms Goward said.
Elsewhere in her electorate, Wingecarribee was also left alone.
Harden, Young and Boorowa will merge, with Boorowa Mayor Wendy Tuckerman as administrator and Anthony McMahon as administrator.
Cr Tuckerman said she was pleased with the merger announcements.
"After a long wait, our communities now have a degree of certainty around who their merger partners are which will allow us to move on with focusing on what is important - delivering the best possible future for our communities," she said in a statement.
"I acknowledge that there will be some unhappy with the outcomes announced today, however it is important to move forward and have a positive outlook on the future of Local Government."
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