A SYDNEY council’s unsuccessful court challenge against the NSW Government’s forced council mergers is likely to be examined closely in Oberon as it fights to stand alone.
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The Land and Environment Court on Wednesday decided to reject Woollahra Council’s challenge against its forced merger with Randwick and Waverley councils in a result that was welcomed by Minister for Local Government Paul Toole.
Oberon and Cabonne councils’ own action in the Land and Environment Court against their respective forced mergers ended in early June and a decision has not yet been reached.
Oberon mayor Kathy Sajowitz said on Wednesday that the news about Woollahra’s challenge was very disappointing.
Oberon residents have been bitterly opposed to their proposed forced council merger with Bathurst.
"I don't want to say too much as I have to read through the whole report,” Cr Sajowitz said.
"My sympathy goes to mayor of Woollahra Council, Toni Zeltzer, as they put a lot of effort into trying to fight Premier Mike Baird in this undemocratic process."
Mr Toole said he was pleased with the court’s decision.
“The Local Government Act outlines what must be done before a council is merged and today’s [Wednesday’s] judgment shows that the Government has followed the requirements of the Act,” he said.
Chief Judge Brian Preston concluded that Woollahra Council had not established any of its grounds of challenge and the proceedings should therefore be dismissed.
He said the applicant, Woollahra Council, is to pay the respondents’ costs of the proceedings.
Woollahra Council now has a period of time to decide whether to appeal the decision.
Oberon and Cabonne councils’ challenge was also heard before Chief Judge Preston.
