Proposed Council three way merger

Information Sessions & Public Enquiry Dates

Great Lakes Council is surprised that a late submission by Gloucester Council which recommends the merging of Greater Taree City Council, Great Lakes Council and Gloucester Council is now being considered by the NSW Government.

“We note that Gloucester Council’s submission expresses a first preference to stand alone, but, if that option is not accepted, then recommends the merger of the three councils rather than the proposed Dungog – Gloucester merger that the NSW Government had proposed in December 2015” said Council’s General Manager, Mr Glenn Handford.

The Minister for Local Government referred the submission to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government for examination and report. The Minister has now made a proposal for the merger of Gloucester Shire, Greater Taree City and Great Lakes Councils.

The Chief Executive has delegated the function of examining and reporting on the proposal to Dr Ian Tiley who will examine and report on the proposal in accordance with the Local Government Act.

“Council is preparing a submission on the feasibility of this merger proposal” said Mr Handford.

Information Sessions

Council will be holding information sessions as follows (Subject to Council approval)

Bulahdelah School of Arts – Tuesday 29 March – 6pm
Tea Gardens Baptist Church – Wednesday 30 March – 6pm
Stroud School of Arts – Thursday 31 March – 6pm
Forster Council Chambers – Friday 1 April – 10am

Public Enquiry Dates

Bulahdelah Bowling Club – Tuesday 5 April – 3pm to 5pm
Gloucester Soldiers Club – Wednesday 6 April – 9am to 12noon

Make a Submission

The best way to have your say is by making a submission.

The Government’s proposal is on public exhibition until 15 April 2016. Submissions must be made directly to the Boundary Review and cannot be accepted by Council.

The Minister’s proposal can be viewed here.

The public can make written submissions commenting on the proposed three-way merger until 5pm on Friday 15 April, either online or in writing and posted to:

Council Boundary Review
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001.

More information www.greatlakes.nsw.gov.au