As part of the State Government's Fit for the Future process, Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole announced 35 proposed Council mergers across NSW in December. It's proposed that Newcastle City Council merge with Port Stephens City Council.
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Although our preference was to remain stand-alone, Council did determine in November that if a merger is inevitable our preference is to merge with Port Stephens Council as our regions have similar demographic profiles and we would be able to create a global city, encompassing port, airport, defence, university, industrial and health hubs.
We need to provide guidance to the NSW Government about what we consider to be best for both the Newcastle community and the wider Hunter region. Now it is time to explore all the options to get the best outcome for our local communities.
Delegate Ian Roberts has been appointed to hold a public inquiry into the proposed merger. He will then submit a report to the Minister for Local Government and the Boundaries Commission before a final decision is made. The proposal is available online at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and speak at several public hearings. The date, times and venues are:
- Horizons Golf Club (Salamander Bay): Thursday, 4 February 2016, 9am - 12 noon
- Marina Views Function Centre on the Harbour (Newcastle): Thursday, 4 February 2016, 3pm - 5pm and 7pm - 10m
Please register online or by contacting 1300 813 020 and indicate if you wish to speak when you register your attendance. Registrations close midday on Friday, 29 January.
Written submissions
Submissions to the inquiry can be made online or by mail to:
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001
The closing date for submissions is 5pm EST, Sunday, 28 February 2016.
