20 February 2017

I am disappointed the Berejiklian government has ignored city communities’ concerns about mega-councils; people want local councils that understand their area and needs, with easy access to decision makers. Woollahra Council is financially sustainable and residents overwhelmingly support existing boundaries: it should not be forced to merge with other local government areas.

Local government must cease to be the plaything of state governments: subject to sackings, mergers and de-amalgamations for political advantage; it should once and for all be recognised in the constitution with democracy protected.