The federal member for Eden-Monaro, Peter Hendy, has maintained his opposition to the NSW state government’s move to officially merge councils in the region. 

“I believe the Tumbarumba-Tumut one was not a good deal and in fact the independent delegate who reviewed the issue actually recommended against it,” Mr Hendy said. 

“I don’t think the merger that includes Bombala council should have proceeded and I’m not happy about the Queanbeyan-Palerang merger either.

“It’s a question about democracy and about people in the new councils having adequate representations in the larger councils. 

“I’ve put that view to the state government, it’s a state issue, but as a federal member I represent the people in my region and I believe I’m expressing the view of the majority of the people in the region who haven’t been happy about the merger proposals.”

Greens condemn council amalgamation

The Braidwood and Queanbeyan-Monaro Greens have issued a joint statement condemning the dismissal of Queanbeyan and Palerang councillors and mayors, and the appointment of Tim Overall as administrator.

“The NSW government and its hired consultants failed to provide compelling evidence that this and dozens of other forced council mergers will serve the best interests of residents,” the statement said.

“Residents have become disenfranchised because Premier Mike Baird and his cabinet have deprived them of the local representation for which they voted.

“The haste with which the Baird government has moved to dismiss councils clearly confirms our concerns all along that the so-called public consultation on mergers was window dressing.

“There is no justification for leaving an administrator in place for so long.”

The statement listed a number of problems with the Palerang-Queanbeyan merger, including the differing needs and cultures of a small city as opposed to a large rural/residential area, the struggle for residents in the rural and smaller areas to obtain adequate representation and the existing structural budget issues.

“We urge people to take their concerns about this matter to the Member for Monaro John Barilaro and the Premier Mike Baird,” the statement said.