The NSW Office of Local Government (OLG) has taken a fresh approach when it comes to membership of the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) – direct lobbying of individual councillors.
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On October 15 Coffs Harbour City councillors received personal letters from the CEO of the OLG, Tim Hurst, drawing their attention “to the opportunities available to your council and community from joining the MNCJO”.
Councillors from Nambucca Heads and Clarence Valley, who also remain outside the JO arrangement, did not receive similar letters.
Background: Nambucca, Clarence and Coffs not included
Coffs City councillor Sally Townley told the Guardian Coffs had always held the position the most appropriate JO for them was with Bellingen, Nambucca and Clarence Councils.
“It was disappointing the NSW government chose to group these four with Port Macquarie and Kempsey,” Cr Townley said.
“There now appears to be some implied threat if we don’t comply. Councils should not be pressured into joining, particularly at this early stage of no clear agenda and no commitment of ongoing funding.”
Background: Staying outside the JO tent
Nambucca Shire mayor Rhonda Hoban said she was surprised by the letter.
“Normal procedure is the CEO writes to the council’s General Manager, who then reports the matter to councillors. Given Clarence and Nambucca have equal interest, why were we not written to,” Cr Hoban asked.
There now appears to be some implied threat if we don’t comply
- Coffs Harbour City councillor Sally Townley
Last week Mr Hurst met with councillors at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference in Albury. A similar letter is now being prepared for Nambucca Shire councillors.
Cr Hoban said no reason had been given as to why a separate JO with the four northern councils was not possible.
“This would still meet legislative requirements of two councils in a JO and government policy of three, as well as aligning with the recommendations of the Local Government review panel,” she said.
“Why the legislation and government policy are not aligned on this makes no sense.
“Mr Hurst did explain that since the review, the government have added the criteria of scale and capacity for JOs and flagged that as a concern for the northern proposal. But in fact Coffs Harbour, Clarence and Nambucca have a higher population than the three councils in the proclaimed JO.”
Background: Safety in JO numbers
She said Nambucca councillors were also worried that JOs were the thin end of the amalgamation wedge.
“Mr Hurst assured me that this was definitely not the case.”
