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Amalgamations in north west New South Wales

The New South Wales Government has created four new Local Government areas in the north west region of the state. The amalgamation creates four Local Governments from the previous nine.

The process continues to be condemned by the Shires Association of NSW for lacking transparency and ignoring local communities. However, Local Government Minister, Tony Kelly, said the new councils would bring financial benefits to the region, including one off savings of $1.3m; savings of at least $1.8m for each year thereafter; and will ensure that local jobs stay in their communities.

“These savings will be put straight into services for these communities,” Minister Kelly said.

The new Local Government areas are:

• Peel Regional Council – incorporating Tamworth City and Manilla Shire Council and parts of Barraba Shire, Nundle Shire and Parry Shire Councils
• Liverpool Plains Shire Council – incorporating Quirindi Shire, and parts of Murrurundi and Parry Shires
• Upper Hunter Shire Council – incorporating Scone Shire and part of Murrurundi Council
• Gwydir Shire Council – incorporating Bingara and Yallaroi Shire Councils and part of Barraba Shire Council.

The makeup of the Peel Regional Council, and the Gwydir Shire Council is based on voluntary amalgamation proposals, but there were some variations.

Shire Association of NSW President, Cr Phyllis Miller, said the Government had ignored the voluntary proposals put forward. She said there was “ no rhyme or reason” in the results of the amalgamation process.

The elections for Peel, Liverpool Plains and Gwydir will be on 26 June, while the Upper Hunter election will take place on 25 September.

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