The decision has been made for the following reasons:
At the City of Canada Bay’s 16 June, 2015 Council Meeting, a Motion of Urgency was put forward, following concerns a stand-alone submission would see the City of Canada Bay in a vulnerable position.
“We have always said we are Fit for the Future and would prefer to stand-alone but there has been real concerns following last week’s decision that doing nothing would put us in the firing line for a forced merger with five other inner west Councils,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.
“All of the communication from the State Government indicates submitting a stand-alone proposal will mean we are deemed not fit. As a Council, we have worked too hard and delivered too many great initiatives for our community to be labelled unfit.
“It’s not something that sits comfortably with any Councillors – or staff – so we need to look at the best option for our community and our organisation. Entering back into discussions with our western neighbours is the right thing to do.”
As part of the Motion, Council has kept the door open to remain stand-alone, should the State Government change its support for the current Fit for the Future requirements and has retained the right to review the resolution should the criteria or reform program change.
“We have been looking at a range of options over the past nine months, including the State Government’s preferred option of an inner west mega Council involving us, Ashfield, Burwood, Leichhardt, Marrickville and Strathfield. Independent modelling on this option has been undertaken by Morrison Low demonstrating that financially, for the long-term future of our community, this simply does not stack up,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
“If we do nothing, and we are forced into the inner west mega Council option, it could have serious consequences for our community. We don’t want our residents in a situation where their rates will rise, their services will drop and their infrastructure will slowly deteriorate.
“We needed to seriously consider what proposal would provide the best long-term solution and a strong economic base for our residents. Looking at this option offers a plan for the next 20 years and beyond – it’s not about what is convenient for now.
“Do we want the best for our residents? Do we want to look to the future and opportunities for a strong local economy and thriving community? Yes we do. The best way to do this is to explore our options going west towards Sydney Olympic Park where opportunities for a new Council will be greater.
“Amalgamation is not our preferred option but we don’t believe we have a choice but to explore what is best for the City of Canada Bay and our community.”