Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has received information and Notice of Public Inquiry from the Office of Local Government Boundaries Commission, stating that Public Hearings for the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Public Inquiry in relation to the Terms of Reference will commence on 30 August 2024. The hearing will be held at the Sydney Masonic Centre, 66 Goulburn Street Sydney from 8.30am – 1.30pm.
The information received states the Terms of Reference and Written Submissions Invitation quoted below:
The Terms of Reference of the Inquiry are:
To inquire and report to the Minister for Local Government with respect to the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (Council) proposed Implementation Plan (comprising a Detailed Transition Plan, Task Schedule and Financial Sustainability Plan) as lodged by Council as a formal proposal on 21 March 2024 to create two new Councils from the existing Council including advising whether:
- if the governing bodies of the new Councils were to implement the proposed Implementation Plan, would this create the potential for:
- a sustainable financial path for the ongoing operation of the two councils
- strong and effective leadership in a manner consistent with the guiding principles set out in sections 8A, 8B and 8C of the Act
- effective management of responsibilities relating to long term financial planning, public land management and provision of services
2. the area of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council should be dissolved pursuant to s212 of the Act to enable a proposal to create two new councils to be implemented
3. any other matter that warrants mention, particularly those that may impact on the effective administration of the future Councils’ functions and responsibilities or the community’s confidence in the Council being able to do so.
The Commissioners may make recommendations as the Commissioners see fit having regard to the outcomes of the Inquiry, including whether all civic offices at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council should be declared vacant.
Written Submissions
The Notice of Public Inquiry invites persons to make written submissions to be lodged with the Office of the Commissioner by 30 September 2024. Persons making a written submission should address the terms of reference and also indicate at the same time whether they wish to appear in person to make oral submissions, and the matters relating to the terms of reference that they would seek to address. It is noted that the Commission is not obliged to automatically give a right of appearance to all those wishing to appear before the Commissioners at the public hearing.
Written submissions should be forward by post to the Office of the Commissioner, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Public Inquiry, Locked Bag 3015, NOWRA NSW 2541. Alternatively, submissions may be emailed to cootamundra.gundagai@olg.nsw.gov.au by 30 September 2024.
Information relating to the demerger can be found on Council’s website at https://www.cgrc.nsw.gov.au/demerger-news/
