Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
URALLA Shire Council has resolved to open formal discussions with Walcha Council regarding the possibility of an amicable merger.
“It is with considerable disappointment that we are forced to consider an amalgamation purely because our council doesn’t meet the NSW government’s arbitrary size criteria,” Uralla mayor Michael Pearce said.
In passing the resolution, Uralla Shire Council was of the opinion it had no other choice but to consider merging before being forcibly amalgamated after the November 18 deadline.
“So, to a large extent, we feel like we have a gun pointed to our head,” Cr Pearce said.
Uralla Shire listed being forced into a large, dysfunctional or financially detrimental amalgamation against the community’s wishes, having no representation on a transition committee to reflect the community’s wishes, and missing out on $10 million offered to voluntarily merged councils as issues that could arise from a forced amalgamation.
“Accordingly, a position has been taken by Uralla Shire Council that, although the preference was for our council to remain independent, this situation will now not be allowed by the state government, and the best way of representing the interests of our community is now to pursue a merger with Walcha Council,” Cr Pearce said.
