Say no to mergers
There are real concerns about council amalgamations across the state.
Residents will need to vote for a councillor and elect the mayor for the new amalgamated body.
The problem I see is that smaller councils once amalgamated will have fewer residential votes and can end up without a local councillor representing their area.
Kogarah residents control 100 per cent of the Kogarah Council region. However, if amalgamated with the suggested three other councils, we will only have a 15 per cent chance of representation in a mega council. It's a numbers game.
Presently there are four state members and two federal members representing Canterbury, Hurstville, Kogarah and Rockdale councils' residents.
A merger of these councils will have just one mayor — a very powerful position indeed.
Powerplays, political lobbying and possible corruption will present themselves for candidates chasing this prized and powerful mega position. Councils will become faceless business entities and as usual we the residents will be the losers. Victoria regrets their decision to merge, while Western Australia and Queensland said no — for good reason. Email your MP today to reject a Kogarah Council merger.
P. T., Kogarah Bay