Wyong Council spells out wish list for merger with Gosford

It was one of the key recommendations put by mayor Doug Eaton today when he addressed a public inquiry at Wyong into the planned merger.

“It is important this public inquiry is taking place as the views of the community need to be heard,” Cr Eaton said.

“We know the majority of our residents are not opposed to a merger – we surveyed them directly – they have made it clear they want to be consulted in the process.

“That is why we are pushing strongly for a ward system to ensure every area across the whole of the Central Coast is represented in the new council.”

While Wyong and Gosford have entered into merger discussions voluntarily, some councils around the state have been less than enthusiastic about the state government’s plan to enforce amalgamations.

Their actions have raised the prospect of some councils being sacked, and administrators appointed to oversee mergers.

That has prompted Wyong to reiterate its desire for its current councillors to remain in office until the proposed merger.

Wyong also wants to dismantle the Central Coast Water Corporation.

“We want to ensure the current councillors remain in power to ensure we can ensure the community voice is heard as the new council takes shape,” Cr Eaton said.

Wyong has councillors elected in two wards.

The council believes this type of representation should be rolled out in any newly formed council. 

“There has been no public outcry or rallying in the streets as there have been in some areas of Sydney as our residents are not opposed to the merger – they just want to be heard and know their services will stay the same or be enhanced,” Cr Eaton said.

“We currently work with Gosford already on a number of key services so I can assure residents your bin will be picked up and you will have clean water and sewer no matter what happens.”

The two councils already operate 46 joint services and have been meeting regularly to oversee the transition to a Central Coast council. 

Council will now prepare a formal submission on the merger and lodge it by the February 28 deadline, and is encouraging residents to do the same.

“I urge residents to accept the merger is happening and to focus their submissions on how they can shape the priorities and make-up of the new council,” Cr Eaton said.