MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today met with Greg Wright, the Delegate who has been appointed to assess the Armidale Dumaresq-Guyra Shire amalgamation proposal put forward by the State Government.
Mr Marshall said that he was pleased with the meeting and conveyed community feedback to the Delegate.
“I am encouraging those interested in this process to get involved and make a submission prior to 5pm on Sunday, 28 February,” he said.
“Submissions are a key opportunity for our local community to provide their views on this proposal and I certainly encourage people to do so and have their say.”
The heads of consideration that the Delegate will be reviewing in relation to arguments for and against the proposal are:
• Financial factors;
• Communities of interest;
• Historical and traditional values;
• Attitudes of residents and ratepayers;
• Elected representation;
• Service delivery and facilities;
• Employment impacts for staff;
• Rural impacts;
• Wards;
• Opinions of diverse communities; and
• Any other relevant factors
Submissions can be made online at
www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/armidale-dumaresq-and-guyra-shire-councils/ or by mail to GPO Box 534, Sydney NSW 2001.
“I would encourage the community to take note of these heads of consideration and ensure that they address them when making their submissions,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Marshall said the Delegate would hold three public hearings – two in Armidale and one in Guyra – to hear from community members on Thursday, 11 February.
“This is another opportunity for members of the public to speak directly to the Delegate about any or all of the factors he is required to consider in assessing this proposal,” Mr Marshall said. “It’s a chance to have your say and tell the Delegate what you think of the merger proposal.”
Anyone wishing to attend or speak at these public hearing should register online at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/armidale-dumaresq-and-guyra-shire-councils/