The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW have rejected the NSW Minister for Roads and Western Sydney David Borger's comments proposing amalgamations of Sydney councils.

 

President of the Local Government Association, Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM, has slammed Minister Borger's comments and reiterated the LGSA's opposition to forced amalgamation.

"The Associations have always been, and will continue to be, opposed to forced amalgamations of local councils. If councils wish to voluntarily discuss amalgamation then this is encouraged, but at no time do we endorse third party pressure being placed on councils to amalgamate," said Cr Rhoades.

"The sweeping statement by Minister Borger is unproductive, and merely an attempt to win last minute votes with sensationalist, unsupported claims," he said.

"Perhaps Minister Borger should look at the Labor Government's failure to deliver on much needed funding for services and infrastructure for local communities, and their erosion of council planning powers before suggesting a 'quick fix' solution of amalgamating councils to solve all problems."

"Any changes to the current system of local government should involve in depth consultation with councils and their communities."

"Whilst the Associations will continue to stand strong on our position that there should be no forced amalgamations, we have been encouraging councils to look at ways they can build the Local Government of the future that communities want and deserve."

The LGSA are currently finalising a report on the outcomes of their Modernising Local Government Initiative, which, in 2010, saw consultation take place with councils across the state about the future of Local Government in NSW. This report is due for publication in April.