The proposed Harden-Cootamundra merger has been deemed ‘Fit for the Future’ after Local Government Minister Paul Toole announced the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) assessment findings on Tuesday. NSW Shire Councils were informed via a webcast at midday on Tuesday of IPART’s findings, with Minister Toole telling Councils that “consultation with the community is supposed to be over.” Only 52 Councils, including four merger proposals, were deemed fit. The mergers included Cootamundra-Harden, Boorowa-Young, Randwick-Waverley, and Auburn-Burwood-Canada Bay. Importantly, Boorowa and Young’s merger proposal of the ‘Hilltops Council’, which included the Harden Shire without its consent, was also deemed fit without the involvement of the Harden Shire.

This puts Boorowa Shire Council in a difficult position, as they resolved that they did not support a merger with Young Shire Council as the sole party. If Boorowa and Young do not merge, according to IPART, both Shires will not be ‘fit for the future’. Two of the Harden Shire’s neighbours, Yass Valley and Gundagai, were among the remaining two-thirds of New South Wales Shire Councils deemed unfit.

One consistent theme of IPART’s report was that the four merger proposals, although fit, would receive increased benefits if they included a greater number of partners. Harden and Cootamundra are encouraged, though not forced, to pursue more Shire Councils to take part in its merger. IPART suggested Boorowa and Young in a four party Council, although Gundagai and Yass Valley could potentially be approached. “Councils will receive letters from the Office of Local Government, giving them 30 days to respond,” said Harden Shire Council General Manager, Trevor Drowley. “We now need to consult with Cootamundra to formulate our response. But we only have 30 days to do so.” “I am in consultation with Mayor of Cootamundra, Jim Slattery,” said Harden Shire Council Mayor, John Horton. He and I are both on the same page in fully supporting the merger of Cootamundra and Harden Shires.”

Drowley also said that there was more money on the table for merging Councils, with up to $15 million in community enhancement funding available for upgrading facilities of community interest such as sporting grounds and halls. This is in addition to the $5 million to cover the costs of amalgamation itself. Harden Shire Council will set a date for an extraordinary meeting to discuss the findings at its October Business meeting at Galong on October 21. IPART’s ‘Assessment of Council Fit for the Future Proposals’ Final Report can be downloaded from IPART’s website: http://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/Industries/Local_Govt/Fit_for_the_Future