Government decision to call off forced mergers a win for local democracy

Published: 27 July 2017

Woollahra Council welcomes today’s announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to call off all pending council mergers.

Mayor of Woollahra Toni Zeltzer said the Council has fought the proposed merger long and hard on behalf of the Woollahra community.

“We have stuck to our commitment to represent the best interests of our community who said loud and clear they did not want this merger to go ahead. This is a win for local democracy.

“When the Premier came into office she made a commitment to listen to the people of NSW and today’s announcement is a clear demonstration she’s done just that.

“Local communities across NSW have been saying they want to have a say on the future of their local areas and they care deeply about having their voice heard,” she said.

“Being the Premier comes with a big responsibility. I think she was handed some very tough issues to manage. The Premier has made the right decision on this one.

“There is nothing more important for politicians at any level of government than to honour their commitment to genuine community consultation, and to respect those they seek to serve.

“I commend both the Premier, Gladys Berejiklian and the Minister for Local Government, Gabrielle Upton for respecting local communities and their right to determine their own future.

“We’re now looking forward to getting on with the job of looking after our local community,” the Mayor concluded.

View full press release

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