The Eurobodalla was not identified for amalgamation or boundary changes in the most recent NSW Government review, the shire’s mayor says.
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Responding to Bega MP Andrew Constance’s pointed comments in today’s Bay Post/Moruya Examiner (see page 1), Councillor Lindsay Brown said the latest review was published in 2013.
“Eurobodalla, Bega and Shoalhaven councils have not been identified for amalgamation or boundary adjustments by the NSW Government following the extensive independent review of local government that was finalised in October 2013,” Cr Brown said.
“The NSW Government doesn’t require our council to consider these possibilities as part of our Fit for the Future proposal.”
Mr Constance is putting pressure on the shire regarding the Fit for the Future process.
Cr Brown said council was “following the process” and would deliver a proposal to the state by June 30.
“Councils like Eurobodalla that have not been identified for potential amalgamation, are required to produce a proposal that shows how we plan to become ‘fit for the future’ within our existing structure,” he said.
“Part of this is to assess our current and forecast performance against the Fit for the Future benchmarks, and develop strategies and actions to improve performance against the criteria of sustainability, infrastructure and services and efficiency.”
He said the aim was to embark on “a pathway to becoming Fit for the Future”.
“In recent years, council has made significant savings and I have said many times that we will continue to focus on efficiencies and reducing costs,” Cr Brown said.
Mr Constance called on local governments to use technology to share loads such as rates billing processes.
“We will be looking at further improvements to procurement and asset management practices, productivity, work practices and technologies, service delivery, safety practices and where we can make savings through continuing to collaborate with neighboring councils, the ACT, NSW and Commonwealth governments, and building regional partnerships,” Cr Brown said.
Related coverage: Election win puts boundary changes on table: Constance