Councils begin amalgamations

Councils begin amalgamationsThree inner city councils have become the latest to propose an amalgamation following the recent release of the IPART Fit-for-the-Future report on local government. Ashfield, Marrickville and Leichhardt have now approached the Government about a potential amalgamation – following the lead of other councils contemplating mergers.Councils found ‘unfit’ by IPART have until November 19th to respond to Government with proposals for amalgamations.Some – such as Randwick and Waverley – proposed a merger to IPART. Others – such as councils on the Central Coast and Lower Hunter – are now also beginning talks.The Property Council has long argued the number of councils in Sydney should be substantially reduced.”Sydney’s standing as a global city means we need councils that can think and act strategically, with the balance sheet to match,” NSW Executive Director Glenn Byres said.”We’re pleased to see councils progressing talks on amalgamation, but the Government will still need to look at forced amalgamations for those acting in defiance of reform.”