Bayside Council in Sydney has decided to halt its pursuit of de-amalgamation.

Following a strong rejection of the idea by local residents during recent consultations, the council says it will not proceed unless the state government agrees to fund the move.
The process would have required an estimated $50 million, with households facing a possible $600 contribution to cover expenses.

A survey conducted by the council revealed 79 per cent of residents opposed demerging, citing the financial burden it would impose. 

Respondents labelled the potential costs as a “large unnecessary cost for little benefit”. 

Bayside Council was created in 2016 through the forced merger of the City of Botany Bay and the City of Rockdale by the New South Wales government, which had argued for greater efficiency and reduced costs. 

Councillor Michael Nagi, who moved the motion to suspend efforts, said that residents were already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. 

Despite this, councillors voted to forward a business case for de-amalgamation, prepared earlier this year, to the Local Government Minister, Ron Hoenig. 

The council also resolved to improve transparency regarding funds allocated to the former councils of Botany Bay and Rockdale.

Although some residents from areas such as Mascot expressed dissatisfaction with the amalgamation, believing it degraded council services, the overwhelming sentiment has favoured maintaining the current structure.

It aligns with a broader pattern across Sydney, where efforts to reverse forced mergers have struggled to gain traction. 

A similar push by the Inner West Council to de-amalgamate was denied earlier this year, as it was deemed financially unsustainable.

More details are accessible here.

CareerSpot This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.