WESTERN community mayors have accused state government of serving up a red herring on its plans for the Far West Initiative, after ministers announced last week no councils would be merged as part of the process.
Speaking from the Western Division Councils conference in the Wentworth Shire, Broken Hill mayor Darriea Turley said she was surprised to read the release from Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton and Deputy Premier John Barilaro, as, according to her, forced mergers were never on the table.
“Clearly that’s a red herring,” Cr Turley said.
She said Western NSW communities remained frustrated with the lack of progress.
“(Government) still has no concept on how to move forward. We’ve had three different ministers on this now and it still hasn’t progressed.”
Mr Barilaro, who spoke at the conference this week challenged local councils who didn’t support the Far West model to come up with an alternate solution.
The Far West Initiative – part of state government’s Fit for the Future push – had proposed reforming eight western councils by placing a regional authority above them, taking on some of their functions including interactions with state and federal governments.
But despite ruling out mergers between Balranald, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Central Darling, Cobar, Walgett and Wentworth councils, there is little word on what path the reforms will take. Community and farmer groups are concerned the process could see local decisions taken out of the hands of local people.
Cobar Mayor Lilliane Brady said government was making “policy on the run”.
“The government probably doesn’t know what they are doing because their bureaucrats don’t even know where the Western Division is,” Cr Brady said. “It’s very important to us (to have our own identity). Just leave us alone.”
Government consulted with Far Western communities from September to December last year about future governance reform options for the region, reaching 1000 residents. Feedback from the consultation “is being considered”.
Meanwhile Balranald Mayor Leigh Byron was returned as Western Division Council president following a tied vote that was decided by a hat draw.