The fate of Port Stephens Council will remain in limbo longer due to Mike Baird’s surprise departure from the top job.
Member for Port Stephens MP Kate Washington has called on the NSW Government to end the uncertainty of the proposed mergers which were first announced over twelve months ago.
“Whoever takes on the role of NSW Premier, must clean up this mess as quickly as possible,” Ms Washington said.
“This state of limbo has to come to an end. Residents of Port Stephens … have been waiting over a year for answers.
Further delay is unacceptable.”
Ms Washington indicated that the ongoing indecision has impacted on Council staff and their job security.
“During these times of uncertainty council staff are taking their payouts and leaving in droves to find more stable employment,” she said.
“The community has had a gutful of the ongoing threat to forcibly amalgamate Councils, a threat which has also denied residents the opportunity to participate in the Local Government Elections last year.
It’s undemocratic,” Ms Washington added.