Amalgamation report adopted without debate

Central Coast Council has adopted a report on the amalgamation process on November 25 without debate.

The report noted that most residents surveyed in both the former Wyong and Gosford council areas were opposed to a merger.

But it said they supported "joint service delivery".

It recommended council include some "relevant questions" in its annual customer experience survey.

Mayor Cr Lisa Matthews said last week that "de-amalgamation" would not be considered, but the size and boundaries of the wards needed to be looked at.

"People on the Peninsula don't want to be called Gosford West," she said.

Cr Matthews said her interpretation was that residents believed the community did not get a say, there was no consultation, and that the State Government had simply proclaimed the two councils were "getting married".

She said the topic had been referred to a councillor workshop and it would discuss any potential questions for a poll or referendum that could be held in conjunction with that election.

Asked by Cr Troy Marquart, Cr Chris Holstein said the workshop was not about de-merging, but he would not rule out what could be discussed at the meeting.

Cr Holstein has talked previously about the possibility of three wards with five councillors in each.

SOURCE

Central Coast Council agenda 3.2, 25 Nov, 2019

Interview (Merilyn Vale), 12 Nov, 2019

Cr Lisa Matthews, Central Coast Council