IN the recent MidCoast Council Meeting on 13 October 2021, Councillor Kathryn Bell raised a notice of motion to gauge support for a demerger of the MidCoast Council to return to the former constituent areas.

This motion proposed the idea of a poll to all voters in the area to ask the following question: would you like to see MidCoast Council de-amalgamated so that we return to the former three local government areas of Gloucester Shire Council, Great Lakes Council and Greater Taree City Council.

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The motion was not supported by any Councillors.

“This is about a harmless poll for guidance – the community have never been asked about their thoughts regarding the merger.

“It identifies the Council’s willingness to engage the community ensuring that community input matters.

“We individually or collectively, may or may not be happy with or agree with the outcome, however, it’s about the opportunity for the community to finally have a say.

“I would urge that we not be afraid to ask the question,” Cr Bell said.

This motion follows Cr Bell’s recent motion for the Council to prepare a report regarding an amendment to the NSW Local Government Act 1993 that states that a proposal for de-amalgamation may be submitted through a written business case to the Minister.

Cr Bell’s previous motion also lapsed, with many other Councillors supporting the motion at a later date after the Local Government elections.

By Tara CAMPBELL