With tension over the forced merger of the former Gundagai and Cootamundra Shire Councils still simmering, Gundagai residents took the opportunity to make their point loud and clear at Tuesday night’s information meeting.
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As administrator Christine Ferguson started the meeting, Gundagai residents stood as one turning their back on Ms Ferguson and interim general manager Ken Trethewey before breaking into song in a not-so-silent protest.
There were renditions of Road to Gundagai and Waltzing Matilda together with the reciting of The Dog on the Tuckerbox and chants of “We shall not be merged” before the meeting was able to get underway.
Gundagai residents were vocal in their criticism of the process leading up to the forced merger with sentiments such as “we want democracy, not hypocrisy” commonplace.
Once frustrations were aired, a planned presentation got underway including information on the Stronger Communities Fund and potential to change the council name.
Former Gundagai mayor Abb McAlister updated the room on court action which could see the entire council disbanded and returned to the separate entities of Cootamundra Shire Council and Gundagai Shire Council.
Mr McAlister said Gundagai Shire Council filed their papers against the merger at 12.08pm on the day the amalgamation was announced with the proclamation not final until 12.10pm.
A judgement is expected to be handed down in the coming weeks.
While Ms Ferguson has rescinded the motion to provide funding for the legal battle started by the former Gundagai Shire Council, the new Gundagai Council does find themselves responsible for $26,000 of the funds already spent before the merger was made final.
Ms Ferguson confirmed this will be paid by Gundagai Council.