A PROPOSED amalgamation between Bathurst Regional Council and Oberon Council could be dead in the water after Nationals leader John Barilaro vowed to “bring an end to local government mergers in the bush”.
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Mr Barilaro today issued a strongly-worded media release stating it was time to draw a line in the sand over council amalgamations.
“The policy of local government amalgamations has impacted 20 councils, 12 of which are in regional NSW causing uncertainty and anger, and others are locked in costly legal action – that all stops today,” Mr Barilaro said.
But the media release – which was also sent to local councils – has created more questions than answers.
Mr Barilaro gave no indication of whether he intended to dismantle the 20 council mergers that are already in place across the state and councils currently involved in court action – such as Bathurst and Oberon – have not been given any formal notification of the status of those actions.
Bathurst mayor Gary Rush confirmed council was awaiting formal notification about the future of the proposed merger but said Bathurst had always taken the position that it would abide by the state government’s decision.
“The media release would indicate that as of today the proposed merger between Oberon and Bathurst will not proceed,” Cr Rush said.
“If that’s the decision the state government has taken then we have always stated we were here to abide by those decisions.”
Cr Rush said council could see the potential benefits of a merger with Oberon in terms of improved scale and capacity around finances and infrastructure, but also acknowledged the strong opposition to the planned amalgamation.
“We have always recognised the right of any community to express their position and we have always respected those who opposed the merger,” he said.
“We intend to get on with the task at hand and will work as hard as we can to provide the necessary infrastructure, service and amenities for the people of the Bathurst region.”
Mr Barilaro said “fixing” the contentious council mergers would be one of the first orders of business when he meets with the new premier and Liberal Party leader – to replace the retiring Mike Baird – next week.
He said the agreement between the NSW Nationals and Liberals was a blank sheet of paper.
“There are no promises of portfolios – I made no deals when taking over as Leader of the NSW Nationals and I won’t start now,” he said in the media release.
“Everything is on the table – there are portfolios which I will be seeking as Leader of the NSW Nationals and no doubt there are portfolios which the incoming Premier will be seeking.
“The NSW Nationals and regional NSW won’t be taken for granted in any future negotiations.”
Mr Barilaro and Local Government Minister Paul Toole have been approached for further comment.
