THE Nationals have denied there is a rift in the ranks of the Coalition after they distanced themselves from the controversial forced council amalgamations agenda.
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Just a day after Premier Mike Baird announced his retirement from politics, Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro sensationally withdrew his party’s support for the local government policy.
“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.
It’s music to the ears of Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall who was outspoken against the forced merger of councils across his electorate.
“I’m absolutely delighted to see our new leader take that position, it’s a position that many communities feel very strong about and have for some time,” he said.
“I campaigned against forced mergers, we won a few battles and lost one sadly.”
Across the New England, Walcha staved off amalgamation with Tamworth to remain stand alone – so too Uralla.
But Guyra and Armidale Dumaresq were forcibly joined, despite community outrage from local Guyra residents.
“The whole merger process was divisive, it was handled poorly and was very clumsy,” Mr Marshall said.
Walcha Mayor Erick Noakes believes the controversial forced amalgamations has cost a number of MPs their ministerial jobs – and Paul Toole could be the next to go.
“We have been exempted from a merger, but you never known when it could come back,” he said.
“Hopefully they do mean it and we can finally concentrate on other things.”
Hopefully they do mean it and we can finally concentrate on other things.
- Walcha Mayor Erick Noakes
Mr Barilaro also said all bets were off with his Coalition counterparts and the agreement between the parties “is a blank sheet of paper”.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said the Coalition is not divided, but rather it was about NSW getting “the best deal”.
“As John said this is a real opportunity to have a refresh, take a look at everything, and everything is on the table,” he said.