The new Premier must heed the unequivocal new policy position of the Deputy Premier, John Barilaro calling for an end to local government mergers in regional NSW.

The Deputy Premier is echoing NSW Labor’s call for a new direction for the Government following the appointment of a new Premier – whoever that may be.

Currently the proposal for the forced merger of Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils is before the NSW Land and Environment Court still to be resolved.

The Deputy Premier’s extraordinary challenge to the new Premier was made in a press release released today.

Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP

“The Deputy Premier has set out an extraordinary policy challenge to the new Premier to stop any further council forced mergers in regional NSW.

“That must include reversing the current plans by the Government to force the merger of Wollongong and Shellharbour City Councils.

“The Deputy Premier has heard loud and clear that communities are opposed to forced mergers, concerned that this will result in nothing more than reduced services, job losses and higher rates.

“These are the very points NSW Labor has been making since December 2015.

“The new Premier must listen to the Deputy Premier.”