January 17 - 23, 2016: Issue 247

 Having Your Say on Expanded Council Proposals: Written Submissions and Public Inquiry at Mona Vale Feb. 2016 

 

Fear and loathing still surround aspects of the amalgamations now mooted for metropolitan Sydney and Regional New South Wales although the words 'forced amalgamation' have all but disappeared from many reports and communications, being replaced with terms such as 'expanded', 'proposed merger' and the NSW Government's own 'Council Boundary Review'.

While some are still proclaiming loudly, and not so gently, 'we will not got quietly into the night!', most council's seem to have become, quite ...quiet.

Council Meeting Minutes and Agendas Reports, and other media outlets ascribe this sudden absence of protest to Council's being instructed the new Councils (new Local Government areas) are slated to be proclaimed by mid-2016, that they follow guidelines for the introduction of these amalgamations, that the conduct and 'attitude' of Councils prior to and in the lead up to meeting this time frame will determine  whether they rule themselves, from all or some of then still serving and voted in Councillors, or are ruled by 'administrators', until elections for new councillors take place.

The previously scheduled for September Council elections will be deferred to March 2017, at this stage. 

The wording of some parts of the Merger Proposal: Pittwater Council Warringah Council (part) document has some wary residents wondering how this may physically manifest too - to whit:

(Merger Proposal, Local Government Minister’s Foreword, page 3, paragraph 3).“proposal to merge the local government area of Pittwater with the majority of the local government area of Warringah.”

The Paragraph in full: 

After considering the clear need for change, the Independent Local Government Review Panel (ILGRP) research and recommendations, the assessment of councils by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART), council merger preferences, community views and the unique needs and characteristics of each area, I am putting forward the proposal to merge the local government area of Pittwater with the majority of the local government area of Warringah.

The document also gives residents an idea of future proposed Councillor to resident ratio numbers for our area:

Page 12: Local Representation

The ratio of residents to elected councillors in each of the two existing councils is markedly different. This reflects the wide variation in resident populations. While the proposed merger will change the ratio of residents to elected councillors, the ratio, based on councillor numbers in the existing councils, is likely to be similar to those currently experienced in other Sydney councils, including the more populous Blacktown City Council (Table 2). For the purpose of analysis of merger benefits, this proposal has assumed that the expanded council will have the same number of councillors as Warringah Council, as this has the largest number of councillors of the councils covered by this proposal. The Government welcomes feedback through the consultation process on the appropriate number of councillors for the expanded council.

Some councils in NSW have wards where each ward electorate elects an equal number of councillors to make up the whole council. Community views on the desirability of wards for an expanded council will be sought through the consultation process.

Table 2: Changes to local representation in Pittwater and Warringah 

Council                      Number of councillors                               Number of residents (2014)                    Residents per councillor

Pittwater Council                    9                                                    63,338                                                        7,038

Warringah Council               10                                                   155,289                                                     15,429

Merged council                  10*                                                  140,680                                                     14,068

Blacktown City Council        15                                                   325,139                                                      21,676

* Pittwater and Warringah communities will have an opportunity to shape how a new merged council will be structured, including the appropriate number of elected councillors. Fifteen elected councillors is the maximum number currently permitted under the NSW Local Government Act (1993).

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Estimated Resident Population 2013; and NSW Office of Local Government, Council Annual Data Returns (2013-14).

Extracts from Merger Proposal: Pittwater Council Warringah Council (part) - January 2016

Pittwater and Warringah* councils proposal Download HERE (PDF 1.32 MB - 18 pages of text, includes Appendix) 

LGNSW and a number of councils have been asking to see the full KPMG analysis referred to in the Government’s proposal documents. The document is a key argument for the Government’s merger proposals and should be in the public domain so it may be scrutinised. LGNSW have indicated they will continue to make representations to the Premier and Minister for Local Government to have this document released.

LGNSW is the peak industry association that represents the interests of all 152 NSW general purpose councils, 12 special purpose councils and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. LGNSW’s objective is to strengthen and protect an effective, democratic system of Local Government across NSW by supporting and advocating on behalf of member councils and delivering a range of relevant, quality services. More HERE

The Public too, has been given some guidelines on how they may still have their say on the Merger Proposals through making a written submission and/or attending a Public Inquiry. 

Pittwater's will be at Mona Vale Golf Club on February 2nd, 2016 with two options for those who wish to speak or attend. You must register to attend and although it prompts you to 'speak', a query made informed that unless you register whom you're speaking for etc. you will not have to if don't want to and may simply attend to hear what is said.

Details for all these options run below with links for you.

Pittwater's Council has also released more information this week, also included:

NSW Government Council Boundary Review - Public Inquiry

The public inquiry is part of the examination and reporting process conducted by the Delegate and provides an opportunity for members of the public to express their opinions on the proposal to the Delegate.

Members of the public who would like to attend are requested to register using the online registration form below or by contacting 1300 813 020. Members of the public who would like to speak at the inquiry are requested to indicate that they wish to do so when they register to attend.

Members of the public may only speak once at the inquiry and the order of speaking will be determined by the Delegate. Registrations to speak will close at 12noon on Friday 29 January for public inquiries held during the week of 1 February and registrations to speak will close at 12noon on Friday 5 February for public inquiries that are held during the week of 8 February.

Please see below the sessions for the public inquiry.

Registration required!

Mona Vale Golf Club

Tuesday, 2 February 2016 

1:00pm - 5:00pm 

3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale NSW 2103

Mona Vale Golf Club

Tuesday, 2 February 2016 

7:00pm - 10:00pm 

3 Golf Avenue, Mona Vale NSW 2103

Register at: www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/pittwater-and-warringah-councils/#meetings

Public Submissions Period now Open 

Closes Sunday 28 February 2016

Information sourced from:

NSW Government Council Boundary Review Website 

The proposal relating to Pittwater Council merging with part of Warringah Council and details regarding the process being undertaken, including the name of our delegate Richard Pearson, can be located at: 

www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/pittwater-and-warringah-councils/ 

Make a Submission: Re: Pittwater Proposal HERE 

The Minister for Local Government has referred merger proposals to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government for examination and report under the Local Government Act (the Act). The proposed mergers have been informed by four years of consultation with NSW councils, independent assessment, council merger preferences, and feedback from communities and stakeholders.

• Independent Local Government Review Panel

• IPART Assessment of council Fit for the Future proposals

• Local Government Reform – Merger impact analysis

The Chief Executive has delegated the examination and reporting function to other people (Delegates). In examining and reporting on merger proposals, Delegates will conduct a public inquiry, call for written submissions, and prepare a report with due regard to the factors in section 263(3) of the Act. The factors in the Act include financial considerations, communities of interest, elected representation, employment of staff, services and facilities, and the attitude of residents and ratepayers. The reports of the Delegates will go to the Minister for Local Government as well as the independent Local Government Boundaries Commission for comment.

Members of the public can make written submissions and can attend public inquiries. Submissions are now open and will close on Sunday 28 February 2016, 5pm EST.

The proposals and details of the process being undertaken, including the names of the Delegates and the proposals they will examine and report on, are located on this website.

• Process for creating new Councils

• Instrument of Delegation

The Examination and Reporting Process

The Legislative Process

The process for considering proposals to amalgamate local government areas or alter a local government area boundary is set out in Chapter 9, Part 1, Divisions 2A and 2B, and Chapter 9, Part 3 of the Act . The Minister for Local Government (Minister) has referred proposals to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government, who has delegated the examination and reporting function under section 218F of the Act to a number of persons (Delegates). The Delegates will be responsible for examining and reporting on the proposals in accordance with the Act. Once they have completed their examination, they must prepare a report and provide that report to the Minister and to the independent Boundaries Commission. The Boundaries Commission will review the reports of the Delegate and provide its comments to the Minister. Once the Minister has received reports prepared by the Delegates and the Boundary Commission's comments on those reports, the Minister will make a decision on whether or not to recommend the implementation of each proposal to the Governor of NSW.  For more details on the legislative process please refer to the Act.

The Public Inquiry

Sections 263(2A) and 218F(2) of the Act requires the Delegate to hold a public inquiry (public meeting) into the proposal. Any person may speak at the public inquiry, but may not be represented at the public inquiry by an Australian Lawyer or by a person qualified for admission as an Australian Lawyer, or any person acting for a fee or reward.

Details of the times, dates and locations of the public inquiries will be made available in mid-January.

Submissions

Written submissions will be one of the most important ways for Delegates to gather information. People who make written submissions are encouraged (but are not required) to focus on the factors listed in section 263(3) of the Act.

Written submissions close 5.00pm Sunday 28 February 2016 and can be submitted either online or by mail. 

GPO Box 5341

Sydney NSW 2001

For more information please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section on this website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard form for submissions?

Submissions may be made in the form of a letter, short written document or a longer paper and may include appendices and other supporting documentation. Preferably, submissions should be typed. Hand-written submissions must be clear and legible.

What should be addressed in the submissions?

Submissions should refer directly to the proposal and submission authors are encouraged (but not required) to focus on one or more of the factors in section 263(3) of the Act, being:

• the financial advantages or disadvantages of the proposal to the residents and ratepayers of the areas concerned;

• the community of interest and geographic cohesion in the existing areas and in any proposed new area;

• the existing historical and traditional values in the existing areas and the impact of change on them;

• the attitude of the residents and ratepayers of the areas concerned;

• the requirements of the area concerned in relation to elected representation for residents and ratepayers at the local level, the desirable and appropriate relationship between elected representatives and ratepayers and residents and such other matters as considered relevant in relation to the past and future patterns of elected representation for that area;

• the impact of the proposal on the ability of the council to provide adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities;

• the impact of the proposal on the employment of the staff by the council;

• the impact of the proposal on any rural communities in the resulting area; 

• the desirability (or otherwise) of dividing the resulting area or areas into wards

• the need to ensure that the opinions of each of the diverse communities of the resulting area or areas are effectively represented; and

• any other factors relevant to the provision of efficient and effective local government in the existing and proposed new areas.

How do you lodge a submission?

It is preferred that submissions are lodged online via this website. Please see the relevant proposal page. Submissions can be uploaded in Word, PDF or plain text format. Submissions will also be accepted via post and can be mailed to:

GPO Box 5341

Sydney NSW 2001

Submissions must include the name, address, contact telephone number and email of the person or organisation making the submission. People signing submissions on behalf of an organisation must provide the name of the organisation. The submission form will include some mandatory fields and you will not be able to complete your submission unless these details are completed. Submission authors may also speak at the public inquiry. Details of the public inquiries will be available on this web site in mid-January. 

Once a submission has been made, it becomes part of the public record. Submissions will be published at the conclusion of the proposal examination and reporting process, unless the author of the submission requests that it remain confidential. To protect the privacy of submitters, signatures and other personal contact details will be removed before submissions are published. You should also be aware there may be circumstances when it is required by law to release information (for example, in accordance with the requirements of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009).   Authors must clearly state if they wish all or part of their submission to remain confidential. Submissions cannot be withdrawn or altered once published.

Who will review the submission?

Submissions will be reviewed by the Delegate and used to inform the examination and reporting process. Submissions that are received after the closing date will be reviewed at the discretion of the Delegate.

What is the role of a Delegate?

The role of the Delegate is to examine and report on a proposal that has been referred to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government by the Minister for Local Government (Minister) under section 218F(1) of the Act.

What happens next?

The Delegate will examine the proposal in accordance with the Act. Once the Delegate has completed their examination, they must prepare a report and and provide that report to the Minister and to the independent Boundaries Commission. The Boundaries Commission will review the report and provide their comments to the Minister. Once the Minister has received the comments from the Boundaries Commission and the report from the Delegate, the Minister will make a decision on whether or not to recommend the implementation of the proposal to the Governor of NSW.  For more details on the legislative process please refer to Chapter 9, Part 1, Divisions 2A and 2B, and Chapter 9, Part 3 of the Act.

Can I request a private meeting with a Delegate or can I host my own public meeting and invite the Delegate?

Delegates are not required to accept such meeting requests or invitations and it is recommended that individuals, groups and organisations provide input by making a written submission or by speaking at the public inquiry.

__________________

Richard Pearson

Richard has extensive knowledge of the planning and environment sector and is currently Director of his own town planning consultancy, Pearson Planning Solutions, where he provides strategic policy and planning advice to government and the private sector. Richard is a former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment, where he managed the Department’s regional office network, including front line liaison with local councils. He also led development of regional strategies for the high growth areas of the state, as well as working with local councils to develop their new local environmental plans.

Final chance to have your say on council mergers

15 January, 2016

Pittwater Council is urging all residents affected by the NSW Government’s proposed merger of Pittwater and the northern suburbs of Warringah to review the Government’s plans and have their say, either by speaking at the public hearing or making a submission.

The NSW Government has announced that an expanded Council for Pittwater servicing the northern suburbs of Warringah would receive $20 million to cover the costs of merging and community infrastructure projects.

General Manager Mark Ferguson encourages residents to visit the Council Boundary Review website and review the merger proposal and accompanying maps, and then voice their opinion to the NSW Government.

“This is the final step in the NSW Government’s merger process and the last chance for affected residents to formally express their views to the State Government,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Pittwater Council urges all affected residents to take the time to consider the proposal and financial benefits and identify the issues that are most important to them and speak out,” he added. 

The Office of Local Government will hold two public inquiry meetings on Tuesday 2 February from 1-5pm and 7-10pm at Mona Vale Golf Club. 

Those wishing to address the public hearing must register to speak by 12 noon on 29 January 2016 by contacting 1300 813 020 or visiting www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/pittwater-and-warringah-councils/#meetings

You can also make a submission online or via post before the Sunday 28 February 2016, 5pm deadline: 

www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/pittwater-and-warringah-councils/#submission

C/- Council Boundary Review Submissions , GPO Box 5341, Sydney NSW 2001

An independent delegate has been appointed by the Minister for Local Government to review the Pittwater and North Warringah merger proposal.

“The delegate assigned will examine submissions, hold the public inquiry and report those outcomes to the Minister for Local Government and Boundaries Commission.

“It is certainly valuable for residents to express their views as the minister will consider all submissions when forming his final recommendation,” Mr Ferguson added.

The NSW Government has indicated that all new councils will be proclaimed by mid-2016. It also announced that Local Government elections will be delayed until March 2017.

For details on the NSW Government merger proposals with accompanying boundary maps visit www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au

For reform updates, please visit our website, subscribe to our e-newsletter aboutPittwater and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Local Government expert gives an 'expanded Pittwater' the thumbs up

12 January, 2016

Local government expert Professor Brian Dollery has endorsed the SHOROC two-council model that would see an expanded Pittwater Council as 'the most sensible and economically responsible outcome for the region possible'.

Local government expert Professor Brian Dollery has endorsed the SHOROC two-council model that would see an expanded Pittwater Council as 'the most sensible and economically responsible outcome for the region possible'.

Despite stressing that he has consistently opposed compulsory mergers, Professor Dollery said that when compared to the Independent Panel’s recommendation of a forced merger of Manly, Pittwater and Warringah, the State Government’s new proposal is the best outcome for residents in the region.

“Expanded Pittwater and Manly councils allows for the strengthening of villages and communities, retention of local character, community of interest and identity, and allows the two areas  to retain their respective densities,” says Professor Dollery.

“It also safeguards the custodianship over a unique waterway and lower density development in keeping with the natural environment and heritage in the northern council, whilst the southern council would be more harbour and city focussed with a higher level of density.

“The SHOROC two-council model supports conceptual and empirical research showing that the larger proposed entity was not a better option,” he said.

Empirical research undertaken by both Professor Brian Dollery and KPMG has shown that a two-council model can provide financial, environmental, social and governance benefits for the communities that they service.

Pittwater General Manager Mark Ferguson said that the proposed expanded council for Pittwater would have an estimated resident population of 168,000 people by 2031.

”This would provide sufficient scale for the expanded council for Pittwater to be financially sustainable and deliver strong economic management enabling the strengthening of villages and communities and retention of local character and identity,”  Mr Ferguson said.

“Two more equitable councils providing joint services and working collaboratively will also deliver stronger representative advocacy for the area when dealing with state and federal governments,” he added.

The NSW Government has announced that an expanded council for Pittwater servicing the suburbs of north Warringah would receive $20 million to cover the costs of merging and community infrastructure projects from the Stronger Communities Fund.

The southern council involving the merger of Manly, Mosman and southern suburbs of Warringah would likewise receive $25 million.  This is a total of $45 million for the region.

For details on the NSW Government’s merger proposals includes accompanying boundary maps visit www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au

For reform updates, please visit our website, subscribe to our e-newsletter aboutPittwater and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

• Bigger is not always better: Prof Brian Dollery

• An assessment of SGS Report Local Government Structural Change: Options Analysis: Prof Brian Dollery

• KPMG Independent review of structural options for Manly Council & Pittwater Council: Part A

• KPMG Independent review of structural options for Manly Council and Pittwater Council: Compendium Part B

 Merger proposal handed down

08 January, 2016

The NSW Government has made available its proposal document which outlines a merger of Pittwater with North Warringah to create an expanded Council.

Additionally the government has announced Richard Pearson as the Delegate who has been tasked with the function of examining and reporting on the merger proposal.

Richard Pearson is currently Director of Pearson Planning Solutions and is formerly the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Planning and Environment.

Pittwater Mayor Jacqueline Townsend said that an Extraordinary Meeting of Council will be held next Monday 11 January to discuss the NSW’s Government merger proposal.

Mayor Townsend said the Delegate has informed Council the community will have an opportunity to have their say through a public inquiry which is to be held as part of the proposal examination process. The community can also provide a written submission through the online portal. The date, time and location of the inquiry is yet to be set. We will notify the community once Council has been advised.

“The government’s proposed relocation of Pittwater’s boundary includes Terrey Hills, Narrabeen, Collaroy, Collaroy Plateau, Cromer, Wheeler Heights, Oxford Falls, Frenchs Forest, Duffys Forrest, Belrose, Davidson, Forestville and Killarney Heights.

The government’s proposal identifies the benefits the merger will provide to the local community including:

• a total financial benefit of $49 million over a 20 year period that can be reinvested in better services and more infrastructure

• a projected 67 per cent improvement in annual operating results

• potentially reducing the reliance on rate increases through Special Rate Variations (SRVs) to fund local infrastructure

• greater capacity to effectively manage and reduce the infrastructure backlog

• effective representation by a council with the required scale and capacity to meet the future needs of the community

• working with the NSW Government to complete the B-Line bus rapid transit project

• more integrated management of Narrabeen Lagoon and Catchment

• common parking system to deliver a reciprocal permit

• a new strategic centre at the Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct.

“For the time being it’s ‘business as usual’ for Pittwater,” Mayor Townsend added.

For details on the proposal and how to make a submission visit www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au The submissions deadline is 28 February 2016.

For reform updates, please visit our website, subscribe to our e-newsletter aboutPittwater and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

 

________________________________

From: January 10 - 16, 2016: Issue 246

Previously:

Pittwater - Amalgamation Proposal + NSW Government's White Paper +Proposed Local Government Reforms + Fit For the Future

Pittwater Council Community Forum on Amalgamation and Planning - May 2013

Pittwater - To Be Or Not To Be?

Hands Off Pittwater !! - Media Releases on the Dee Why Community Consultation on the Future Directions for Local Government proposals 

Transcription of Speakers at Independent Local Government Review - Dee Why, 4th of June, 2013

Front Page Issue 115 - Amalgamation and Transcription of Community Consultation by ILG

NSW Government's White Paper - Issue 116

Hon Rob Stokes Hosts Roundtable Discussion On Council Mergers from Hon. Rob Stokes and People for Pittwater

Pittwater Council submissions on the White Paper – A new planning system for NSW and the Draft Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney and Future Directions for NSW Local Government – Twenty Essential Steps 

Presentation by Better Planning Network at Mona Vale Memorial Hall on the NSW Government's White Paper

Bigger is Better Theory on Council Amalgamations De-bunked by Mayors Townsend and Hay of Pittwater and Manly (New Report: AN ASSESSMENT OF SGS REPORT LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURAL CHANGE: OPTIONS ANALYSIS) - published 6 September 2013 - Professor Brian Dollery

ONE NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL OUT OF THE QUESTION: At its 13 October, 2014 meeting, Pittwater’s councillors reviewed the NSW Government’s local government reform package ‘Fit for the Future’ (FFTF), which was released in September 2014.  The proposal, reconfirming the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s recommendations that Pittwater be merged with Manly and Warringah to form one council, was rejected. 

Front Page Issue 185

One ‘mega council’ Would Be A Disaster for Pittwater - Pittwater residents are satisfied with Council - NSW government's Fit for the Future package includes amendments that make it harder for councils to prove they are financially viable, write Professor Brian Dollery and Joseph Drew - Front Page Issue 189

Artspot 2015 Opened with Aplomb

Pittwater Council to Purchase Avalon Beach Bowling & Recreation Club’s Green 3 - Keeping our Community’s Future 'Fitting' + Front Page Issue 211

Pittwater Uprising Again by ‘Pittwater Scout’ + Front Page Issue 212

Community News Issue 212  - May 2015: Local Government Reform - Have your say

NSW Government's "Fit For The Future" process erodes democracy and local lifestyle by 'Pittwater Scout'

Public Meeting on Proposed Local Government Reforms Indicates Forthcoming Backlash Against NSW State Government - Community Votes 'No' Amalgamation Again

SHOROC Shenanigans - Amalgamation Ploy to Undermine 'Scale and Capacity'? + Community News Issue 216

New Data Proves Overwhelming Support for Pittwater to Stay As We Are + Fit for the Future timeline makes mockery of fair process from Pittwater Council and LGNSW

Save Our Councils Coalition Launched – State MP’s Join their the Ranks Against Forced Amalgamations from SOCC 

Front Page Issue 218 

Community News Archives - June 2015

Pittwater Declares Autonomy: FFTF IPART Required Documents Lodged

NO Amalgamation Chant Becomes Louder in Pittwater: Rally at Local MP's Office + Front Page Issue 234

Pittwater Residents attend NO Amalgamation Rally in Hunters Hill - Front Page Issue 235

Front Page Issue 236: Pittwater Residents Maintain NO Amalgamation Stance at Rosehill...

Keeping Pittwater Independent Stance Persists:  Media Releases Monday 12th October to Friday 16th October, 2015 relating to FFTF Reforms by LGNSW, IPART, State and Pittwater Council

Front Page Issue 237:  NO FORCED AMALGAMATION RALLYat Winnererremy Bay Park Thursday 29 October 5pm 

FFTF Facilitators Found Faulty: 'No Amalgamation' Chant Continues: + Front Page Issue 238  

A Greater Pittwater Option Discussed at Public Meeting on Proposed Council Amalgamations: Some Attendees Suggest A Statewide Referendum  

Two Council Model Option Preferred to Mega Council Pittwater and Manly Mayors Announce: Mosman Stands Firm

Pittwater Prefers to Remain Pittwater: Greater Pittwater Option Forwarded as Second Preference: Cr. Hegarty's Address at Council Meeting of November 16, 2015

NSW Government Announces Amalgamation Proposal Plans: Reactions and What's Next in Process - 2016