HURSTVILLE Council is still none the wiser as to what its ratepayers think about possible council amalgamations — the state government's Fit for the Future initiative — but it is determined the public should be sufficiently informed on the subject to offer an opinion.
Acting on recent research findings which showed that there was not a widespread awareness or understanding of the government's approach to amalgamations or its possible impact on residents, the council is set to start a public awareness campaign.
This includes writing to all households and businesses to ensure residents are made aware of the possibility their council could be amalgamated with others.
The research stems from a meeting in November when the council resolved to seek urgent resident feedback on the proposed amalgamations and the possible merger with Canterbury, Kogarah and Rockdale councils.
As a result, Ipsos Social Research Institute was engaged to undertake a telephone survey.
It involved a sample group of 505 participants in the 18-70 range including people who identify as Chinese heritage.
The survey found that overall there was poor awareness of the government's plans for local councils to amalgamate — and those who had heard of the plan did not know much about it.
Once more details were provided around arguments for and against, more people opposed it, especially those in the older age groups.
Many were uncertain whether local interests would be fairly and accurately represented under a joint council. And there was a clear view that residents should be able to vote on the changes.
The survey concluded that from Hurstville Council's point of view it was important to note this was not a key issue in residents' minds.
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