The Council merger is announced

Great Lakes, Gloucester and Greater Taree – are now known as Mid-Coast Council

Information & image courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald

The Baird government has created 19 new councils across Sydney and NSW. And the government has said it would merge another nine, pending the outcome of litigation over council mergers.

“The most comprehensive local government reform in more than 100 years will result in 19 new councils beginning operations from today,” Premier Mike Baird said.

Administrators and interim general managers have been appointed to each of the new councils, which will hold their elections until September next year – 12 months later than those not being merged.

Local Government Minister Paul Toole said it would be business as usual for residents in new council areas, with services operating as normal.

Each new council will receive up to $10 million to meet the costs of merging, plus up to $15 million for investment in new community infrastructure.

“New councils and their communities will decide how to spend their community funds,” Mr Toole said.

“Projects could include pools, libraries, sporting fields, car park expansions or grants to junior sporting groups.”

A review of the merged councils would be conducted in four years.

To view the full list of merged councils: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/nsw-council-amalgamations-announced-by-premier-mike-baird-20160512-gotczo.html