Tesch calls for public inquiry into 'failed amalgamation'

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has been joined by other Central Coast Labor members of parliament to call for a public inquiry into the "failed amalgamation of Central Coast Council".

"Central Coast Council is an amalgamated council established by the Liberals in the face of stiff community opposition," she said.

The Minister for Local Government Ms Shelley Hancock should "guarantee a transparent and honest review of the Council's position", Ms Tesch said.

"They need to take responsibility for the mess they've created."

The joint media release with Member for Wyong Mr David Harris, as well as Member for The Entrance Mr David Mehan and Member for Swansea Ms Yasmin Catley, said that "structural problems were baked into the new organisation from Day One", when Wyong Shire and Gosford City Councils amalgamated "against the wishes of local residents" by the former Baird Liberal Government,.

Mr Harris said: "We are calling on the State Government to establish a public inquiry into the collapse of Central Coast Council."

Mr Mehan said: "It is not acceptable for the community to foot the bill for the ideological folly of a failed council amalgamation process which the Liberals persisted with in spite of significant public opposition."

SOURCE:

Media release, 5 Feb 2021

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford