Government stands strong on mergers

The issue of council amalgamations once again rose to the surface in NSW as the Berejiklian Government reassessed their approach to local government reform. 

The Property Council has been a long term, strong supporter of the local government reform agenda because it will provide better outcomes for local communities, transparency for business and industry and a stronger future for NSW.

In meetings with new government Ministers over its firstfortnight , the Property Council reiterated the benefits of local government reform and the opportunities that would be lost should the reforms be stopped.

Pleasingly, the Government held its nerve in Sydney.  In an announcement earlier this month the Government stated they were standing strong on Sydney mergers while halting the mergers in regional NSW.

Premier Berejiklian said: “Local government reform is particularly important in Sydney if we are to deliver on our commitments to increase housing supply, improve planning and deliver local infrastructure and amenity to communities. These are strong justifications for proceeding with mergers.

“With more than 1.74 million people set to make Sydney home over the next 20 years, metropolitan councils need to keep up with housing and local infrastructure demands.

“The five remaining metropolitan mergers are expected to generate $530 million in benefits over 20 years. Communities deserve to see these benefits.

“New councils across NSW have been working hard to deliver better services for their communities. Residents and ratepayers would be worse off if this was undone,” Ms Berejiklian concluded.

The Property Council will continue to work with the NSW Government on key reforms that mean NSW can provide the growth, jobs and infrastructure a growing population needs.