Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson was caught unaware by today’s announcement by Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole that Cootamundra and Gundagai would merge and Harden would join with Young and Boorowa.
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Last night, Wednesday, May 11, amid rumours an amalgamation was imminent Ms Hodgkinson told the Cootamundra Herald she was unaware of a pending announcement.
“I haven't been told of any amalgamation proposals...if this is true, then I will be very disappointed for Gundagai. I have fought relentlessly for them to remain as a standalone council, with many meetings phone calls, and contributions in other arenas supporting Gundagai's bid to stand alone. If it is true, I will make a point of dropping my parliamentary engagements on Friday to talk personally to council and staff.”
In her media statement today, Ms Hodgkinson said:
“Today’s announcement of forced mergers between Gundagai and Cootamundra Shire Councils and Harden, Boorowa and Young Shire Councils is a great disappointment to the communities which have worked hard for a different result.
“I did everything I could to forward each council’s respective stance.
“I publicly declared my full support for a Cootamundra Harden merger, and my full support for Gundagai to be allowed to remain a standalone council.
“I made submissions to the delegates in support of each council’s original submission to the Government’s Fit for the Future process including Gundagai’s stance to stand alone. I encouraged the community to take part in the process and make submissions to the delegates.
“I spoke at Council Boundary Review Public Inquiries, again strongly in support of each Council’s original submission on Fit for the Future.
“I have lobbied the Minister for Local Government, the Premier and the Deputy Premier extensively, and made many, many representations on behalf of my constituents to the Minister, the Premier and the Deputy Premier.
“I have worked hard behind the scenes to put forward my councils’ and their communities’ wishes.
“I have again today expressed to the Minister that Gundagai should remain a standalone council.
“However, as proclamations are imminent I will be seeking to meet with the Gundagai Administrator and the Hilltops Administrator to talk through concerns that will need addressing within the new councils.”
