Amalgamation report adopted without debate

Merger costs are escalating. Archive 2016

Central Coast Council has adopted a report on the amalgamation process on November 25 without debate.

The report noted that most residents surveyed in both the former Wyong and Gosford council areas were opposed to a merger. But it said they supported “joint service delivery”. It recommended council include some “relevant questions” in its annual customer experience survey.

Mayor Cr Lisa Matthews said last week that “de-amalgamation” would not be considered, but the size and boundaries of the wards needed to be looked at. “People on the Peninsula don’t want to be called Gosford West, ” she said.

Cr Matthews said her interpretation was that residents believed the community did not get a say, there was no consultation, and that the State Government had simply proclaimed the two councils were “getting married”.

She said the topic had been referred to a councillor workshop and it would discuss any potential questions for a poll or referendum that could be held in conjunction with that election.

Asked by Cr Troy Marquart, Cr Chris Holstein said the workshop was not about de-merging, but he would not rule out what could be discussed at the meeting. Cr Holstein has talked previously about the possibility of three wards with five councillors in each.

SOURCE: Central Coast Council agenda 3.2, 25 Nov, 2019 Interview (Merilyn Vale), 12 Nov, 2019 Cr Lisa Matthews, Central Coast Council