Councillors propose Peninsula be part of southern ward

The Peninsula would be part of a southern "ward" in an amalgamated Central Coast Regional Council, if three Gosford councillors get their way.

Cr Jim McFadyen, Cr Vicki Scott and Cr Hillary Morris will attempt to move two motions at Gosford Council's meeting on February 9 calling on their colleagues to support the preparation of a submission outlining Gosford Council's vision for the merged council.

The councillors have proposed that the submission call for the formation of three wards within the merged council "to provide representation for the south, north and middle of the two local government areas".

Their notice of motion asked for a representation in line with the current proportion in Gosford of one councillor per 17,000 residents.

They also want the roles of Gosford councillors to continue until the next local government elections are declared.

The three councillors are also wanting the community to have a greater say in the proposal to form a Central Coast Regional Council.

"We think it is of crucial importance that we engage our residents in a more inclusive manner," the three councillors stated in their notice of motion.

Their motion would see Gosford Council conduct a statistical survey asking residents: "Do you want Gosford Council and Wyong Council to amalgamate?"

The councillors noted the expenditure to conduct the survey was allowable under the guidelines council is now bound by because it is operating in a merger proposal period.

The motion called for the results to be reported to the open council meeting on February 22 for inclusion in council's submission.

The councillors also called for the submission to look at the possibility of boundary changes with Lake Macquarie and Hornsby.

The notice of motion called on Gosford Council to ask the delegate and Boundaries Commission to consider: "A request for the review of Local Government legislation in relation to the creation of super councils and the impact of that on the community, such as the number of councillors allowable in a super council which is currently limited to that of smaller councils."

The proposed motions have been included on the agenda for discussion at Gosford Council's February 9 meeting.

Media release, 3 Feb 2016

Hillary Morris, Gosford Council