Gosford City mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna has cleared up some recent comments by Wyong Shire Council about a possible merger with Gosford following the Central Coast Regional Organisation of Councils (CCROC) meeting in February.
“At the last CCROC meeting, Gosford and Wyong councillors, including Wyong Shire’s mayor Doug Eaton, voted unanimously to reject the NSW Government’s position that neither council has the size or capacity under the Fit for the Future proposal to stand alone,” mayor Cr McKinna said.
“Moreover, all councillors voted unanimously that each council should be allowed to stand alone given their past, current and projected performance, strategic planning as well as future growth and development.
“It is very disappointing to see that since this meeting, mayor Eaton is now making public comments that contradict the CCROC’s unanimous decision on this issue.
“I have always maintained that Gosford and Wyong are different areas with their own unique needs and demographics. “A merger simply isn’t the best option for either community moving forward, unless we’re shown, in no uncertain terms, that it will bring positive benefits to Gosford residents and the Central Coast region.
“At this stage, the establishment of one single council for the Central Coast would potentially deny Gosford residents access to the services, infrastructure and facilities they deserve due to the size and nature of the proposed area.
“Even our own current information shows that amalgamating with Wyong will cost Gosford ratepayers more for the same or, in some cases, a lesser service.
“Any talk of possibly forcing us to merge with Wyong is also short-sighted and ignores the massive social and economic interruptions it would cause our local community and businesses.
“Plus, I’d be very concerned that our community would be left without a voice in any possible forced amalgamation,” he said.
Media release,
25 Feb 2015
Gosford Council media