Three councils in Sydney’s inner west could soon become the Sydney Olympic Park City Council with Auburn City, Burwood and City of Canada Bay lodging a joint merger submission to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal on 30 June, 2015.
The decision to explore a merger comes following the State Government’s strong indication that ‘no-change’ is not an option for councils.
The proposal focuses on a new entity to possibly be known as Sydney Olympic Park City Council.
“All three Councils want to stand alone as we believe we are fit for the future under our existing structures but the State Government has given us very little choice by saying that ‘no change’ is not an option,” said the Mayors in a joint statement.
“Indications to date suggest putting in a stand-alone option would see all three Councils deemed unfit and none of us want that for our Councils or our communities. We really did not have an option but to investigate all alternatives.”
As part of the State Government’s reform program, Burwood and Canada Bay were proposed to form part of an inner west mega Council, while Auburn was touted to go west as part of a merger with Parramatta, Holroyd, parts of Ryde and parts of the Hills.
“We all commissioned independent research on the proposed options and found they did not stack up financially in the long-term and would not benefit any of the communities involved,” the Mayors said.
“In the end, the study showed this option was clearly in the best interests of all of our residents. All three Councils have developed a realistic proposal based on the similarities in our communities, rather than wait for the State Government to force its hand.”
“The Auburn City, Burwood and City of Canada Bay scenario works on a number of levels. Financially it will benefit our residents and the growth opportunities are enormous.
“Our areas have similar communities of interest surrounding the Olympic Park precinct, which could serve as the centre for the new council in the future.”
A copy of the submission has been made available on each Council’s website.
For City of Canada Bay media enquiries please contact Julia Angove (02) 9911 6562
For Auburn City Council media enquires please contact Shane Wells (02) 8745 9715
For Burwood Council media enquiries please contact Anthony Sonego (02) 9911 9819