Only a merger between Hurstville and Kogarah councils was recommended: Anne Wagstaff

Did you know that SGS Economics, engaged by Hurstville Council to provide analysis on the financial implications of amalgamations, found only a merged Hurstville and Kogarah option has the potential of delivering positive economic benefits for residents and businesses?

This information was to be used in the brochure distributed to ratepayers in March, but wasn't.

At the time, the council did not meet four of the state government's seven financial sustainability, infrastructure and service-management criteria.

Unsurprisingly, this critical information was also not included.

Instead, the council provided unnecessary information, some of which was incorrect.

Not only was the brochure "completely biased", as suggested by Peakhurst resident Danny K (Your View, July 21), but the council's community "consultation" cost $175,000.

The council then advised the state government that 64 per cent of its residents do not want amalgamation.

It said forecasts in the financial model in the council's new long-term financial plan have "been verified by" its external auditors. However, the auditors expressed no opinion about whether the financial model's goals would be achieved.

Evidence to support the council's best-estimate assumptions, on which the financial model is based, is speculative in nature.

Anne Wagstaff, Oatley