Sydney mayors mobilise to fight council mergers with new peak body - The Daily Telegraph

Clover Moore speaks to the media on Premier Barry O'Farrell's proposed joint traffic and transport committee. Picture: John Appleyard Source: NewsLocal

MAYORS are mobilising to fight a radical shake-up of the city's councils, with a new peak body being set up to lobby on their behalf.

The proposed Metropolitan Mayors Association (MMA) will advocate for its members and consult with the federal and state governments on issues affecting Sydney councils.

Mayors from 14 metropolitan councils met at a Canterbury Council forum in April to discuss forming the new group.

About eight councils - including the City of Sydney, Woollahra and Marrickville - have so far endorsed the association.

The move comes after the Independent Local Government Review Panel recently released its draft proposals for council amalgamations, which would see the number of Sydney council's reduced to 15.

Register for NewsLocal's Global City Community Forum and hear what your mayors have to say on council amalgamations.

Under the proposals, a "global Sydney" super council would swallow the City of Sydney, Woollahra, Waverley, Randwick, Botany Bay, and possibly Marrickville and Leichhardt councils.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the association would provide a strong voice for inner city councils.

Cr Moore said several conflicting reviews into local government were currently underway, creating a "chaotic process that risks squandering the opportunity for positive reform".

"We need real reform, not new boundaries," Cr Moore said at Monday's council meeting.

"The State Government needs to revisit the reform process to establish a logical, structured approach which genuinely engages with the local government sector."

Councils will each contribute $2000 to contract an executive director to set up the MMA, draft a constitution, and create a budget and business plan.

JOIN THE DEBATE:

• NewsLocal invites you to the Global City Community Forum to hear the views of community leaders and to have a say.


• The forum will be held at Sydney Boys High School on May 27. Attendance is free but registration is compulsory.


• This is your chance to hear from your mayors, including Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Woollahra's Andrew Petrie and Waverley's Sally Betts.


• Register online here