The statement in full released by NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole on the new Gundagai Council:
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“NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said residents of the new Gundagai Council will benefit from better services and infrastructure.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is delivering the most significant reforms of the State’s councils for more than a century – and part of that is the historic decision to create the new Gundagai Council,” Mr Baird said.
“Under our rate protection commitment, residents of the new council will pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old council for four years.
“The new, stronger Gundagai Council will draw together the skills and strengths of its predecessors to deliver improved services and better infrastructure, while local communities will retain their identities.
“It’s time to get councils working better for local communities across NSW.”
Mr Toole said it will be business as usual for residents of the new Gundagai Council.
“Your library is still open when you need it and your bins still go out on the same night they always have,” Mr Toole said.
“Following a recommendation by the delegate to proceed with the new council, I have decided to create the new Gundagai Council by merging the former Cootamundra and Gundagai councils.”
Mr Toole said that $10 million from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund will go towards long-awaited community projects.
“The new council, together with the local communities, will decide how this money is spent, which could include improving the region’s road network and upgrading storm water drainage,” Mr Toole said.
“Gundagai Council will also receive $5 million to meet the administrative costs of streamlining its operations. Unspent merger funds may be redirected into important community projects.
“The new Gundagai Council will maintain service provision across the new council, with a strong focus on service delivery and protections to keep jobs in towns with fewer than 5,000 people.
“A stronger council means a stronger voice to advocate on behalf of local communities, particularly in regional NSW.”
For more information on the new Gundagai Council visit: www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au
