Council and Community opposed to amalgamation

Published on 06 May 2015

At last week's council meeting, Fairfield Council voted unanimously to not agree to amalgamate with Liverpool, as proposed by the State Government review panel.

This decision was taken given the clear opposition from our community and the financial impacts on our City and residents. A report presented to Council identified our communities' views, through various surveys, including an independent poll.

Residents were 91% opposed to an amalgamation and local business were more than 80% opposed to an amalgamation of Fairfield. For residents, the biggest concerns about the impact of amalgamation were the potential change in services and facilities, closely followed by rates, focus on local priorities, and investment in local infrastructure. For businesses, the biggest concern about the impact of amalgamation was the potential change in investment in local infrastructure, focus on local priorities, and ability to participate in local decisions.

The report found that Fairfield Council will meet all seven of the financial benchmarks if it stands alone. If amalgamated with Liverpool, there will be a negative impact on six of seven of the benchmarks. In other words, if an amalgamation were to proceed, service levels would not be maintained and, financially, Fairfield Council would be worse off.

Our submission will now be lodged for assessment and it is hoped the overwhelming view of residents will be taken into account when the State Government makes a decision on our future.

Mother's Day

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all a very happy Mother's Day for Sunday 10 May.

Mother's Day is an opportunity to honour the Mother in your life who has had a positive impact on you, whoever they may be! I hope you all have a wonderful day with family and friends, and be sure to get involved in some of the great Mother's Day events happening across our City.