Media Releases

Ron Hoenig – Minister for Local Government

Wednesday, 10 April 2024

On Thursday, 28 March I received a proposal from Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, outlining in detail its plan to de-amalgamate.

The proposal, supported by the council’s Implementation Plan, sets out how two new local government areas would be achieved, including details about rates, service levels, staffing and boundaries.

The proposal will now be placed on public exhibition for 28 days and feedback from the community is welcome.

I appreciate the community has been asked on numerous occasions to have input into plans for demerger. Unfortunately, the roadmap process initiated by the previous government was legally flawed.

I am following the statutory provisions of the Act to progress the demerger lawfully.

I thank the community for their patience as the process towards establishing two sustainable Council areas progresses.

I will consider any submissions prior to deciding whether to refer the proposal to the NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission for review and appoint commissioners to undertake a public inquiry into the proposal.

Should the Boundaries Commission determine that the review results in two financially sustainable Councils, then I would be prepared to recommend to the Governor a return to the former Cootamundra and Gundagai local government areas.

To view the proposal and make a submission go to: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/programs-and-initiatives/cootamundra-gundagai-regional-council-de-amalgamation/

Submissions close 10 May 2024.

MEDIA: Clare Dowswell | Minister Hoenig | 0448 540 073