Councillors of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) recently met with the NSW Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig, alongside local Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP and the Deputy Secretary of the Office of Local Government, Mr Brett Whitworth.
The meeting provided an important opportunity for councillors to hear directly from the Minister about the expectations of the proposed demerger of CGRC. The Minister made it clear that the demerger process is now firmly in the hands of councillors and that the outcome must be shaped by their leadership on behalf of the local community.
The Minister also acknowledged that the demerger of CGRC is a trailblazing exercise, setting the path for other councils across NSW that may seek to go through a similar process in the future.
Mayor Abb McAlister thanked the Minister for his openness and clarity.
“We greatly appreciate the Minister’s frank discussion and his confidence in this Council to deliver the best possible outcome for our residents,” Mayor McAlister said.
“This is a unique and historic process. The Minister has placed his trust in councillors to lead it, and we are determined to achieve a result that respects the wishes of our communities in both Cootamundra and Gundagai.”
Mayor McAlister also acknowledged the presence and support of local MP Steph Cooke and the Deputy Secretary of the OLG.
“It was valuable to have our local member, Steph Cooke, and senior representatives of the OLG at the table. Their support will be vital as we work through the challenges and opportunities that the demerger presents.”
Council will continue to keep the community informed as the demerger process progresses.
Picture and caption:
The Minister for Local Government the Hon. Ron Hoenig and local Member Steph Cooke MP visited Cootamundra last Wednesday to discuss the demerger agenda with CGRC Councillors:
Pictured left to right Cr Danyal Syed, CR David Graham, Cr Les Cooper, local Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP, CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister, the Hon. Ron Hoenig, Cr Gill Kelly, Cr Penny Nicholson, Cr Logan Collins and Deputy Mayor Ros Wight.
