The council will undertake a phone survey to identify ratepayers’ sentiments towards a de-amalgamation and their willingness to pay for the ongoing costs if it was to proceed, as it prepares a business case.
The City of Canterbury Bankstown was one of 19 new local government areas proclaimed in NSW in 2016, by then Premier Mike Baird.
Two months ago, councillors unanimously supported a call for a Business Case to be prepared and submitted to the Minister for Local Government to de-merge and restore the former councils before the Local Government elections in September 2024.
The State Government would also be urged to restore the former Canterbury and Bankstown councils to their pre-amalgamation status and cover the costs which could be up to $166 million for the first five years.
A council report last week stated that it had spent the six years establishing a sound and sustainable financial future which addressed both the former councils’ long-term financial pressures and “is now financially well-placed if there is a decision to proceed with a de-merger”.
The results of the phone survey will be reported back to the council for its consideration prior to finalising and submitting the Business Case to the Minister for Local Government.
Staff will also be consulted about their attitudes towards de-amalgamation.
