Tony Brown BEc, Dip Ec St, LLB(Hons)
A step backwards in enhancing democracy?
NSW State Government proposal to forcibly amalgamate Local Councils;
See also State plan 2021 about increasing local decision making;
“NSW 2021 objectives:-
“30. Restore trust in State and Local Government as a service provider.
31. Improve government transparency by increasing access to government information.
32. Involve the community in decision making on government policy, services and projects”
Sorry Baird got rid of the above! http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/mike-baird-tears-up-barry-ofarrells-state-plan-to-sharpen-focus-on-performance-20150913-gjlcyd.html
Tony Brown
BEc, Dip Ec St, LLB(Hons)
Managing Director
AMB Workplace Solutions Pty Ltd
Historical records of Liverpool and Fairfield indicate that;
The Municipal Council of Smithfield and Fairfield was formed in 1889, and the Municipal Council of Cabramatta and Canley Vale in 1892. In 1948 the two municipalities of Fairfield and Cabramatta and Canley Vale were amalgamated. Since Liverpool was formed in 1810 and declared a Municipality in 1872, it is logical that Smithfield, Fairfield, Cabramatta and Canley Vale were part of the Liverpool Municipality prior to 1889.
Historically, the primary reason for creating the Municipality of Fairfield was due to political influence by its residents wanting greater local government representation and independence from Liverpool.
It now appears that the State Government intends to ignore those concerns by increasing the size of the Local Government Area. The assumption is that greater “size” results in increased efficiency. However, based on the Queensland and Victorian amalgamations, that has not been the case.
I don’t agree with the proposed Liverpool Fairfield Councils merger, it will make it far more difficult to have community elected representatives addressing local issues. The proposal favours major political parties and we know how that has affected Liverpool since 1914 and its lack of progress compared to neighbouring LGAs!
The savings outlined over a 20 year period are estimated to be $130M is that justifiable for arguably less representation and possible services?
Size and scale refers to the overall boundary area, currently Liverpool is some 304 square km increasing that by adding Fairfield to it will make it all the more difficult to be represented by Councillors, particularly for those residents in the outer rural areas.
Clr Peter Harle