NSW Government announces 19 new councils

The announcement was made by the State government on Thursday (May 12) afternoon.

Mid-Coast Council is one of 19 new councils for NSW.

An administrator and an interim general manager have been appointed to all newly formed councils ahead of elections on September 9, 2017.

Retired State member for Myall Lakes John Turner has been appointed as administrator for Mid-Coast Council, and the interim general manager is Great Lakes Council general manager Glenn Handford

The deputy general managers of the new council are Greater Taree's general manager Ron Posselt and Gloucester general manager Danny Green.

Eleven councillors will be elected to the new council at the first election and the new council is not to be divided into wards for the first election.

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said the 19 new councils would work harder for residents and deliver better services and community facilities.

"We are ensuring our communities have stronger and more efficient councils, which will free up money for important projects such as local roads, parks, playgrounds and footpaths."

The rate protection policy commitment means residents of new councils will pay no more for their rates than they would have under their old council for four years.

The State government believes that reducing waste and red tape through local government mergers could free up close to $2billion over the next 20 years, allowing councils to fund better services and new infrastructure for communities or lower rates.

The State government will conduct a review in four years to ensure the community is continuing to benefit from its "stronger councils".

Mr Toole said it will be business as usual for residents in new council areas, with services operating as normal.

Each new council will receive up to $10 million to meet the costs of merging and up to an additional $15 million to kick start new investment in community infrastructure through the Stronger Communities Fund.

"New councils and their communities will decide how to spend their community funds. Projects could include pools, libraries, sporting fields, car park expansions or grants to junior sporting groups," Mr Toole said.

Mr Toole thanked delegates who examined the proposals and the Boundaries Commission for its important work.

Many people have taken the opportunity to have their say during the consultation process, by speaking at inquiries or making written submissions.

"The NSW Government has listened to community concerns and created new wards that reflect the identity of existing communities," Mr Toole said.

Mr Toole said that residents should also feel confident that planning protections would remain in place with existing Local Environmental Plans remaining in force under the new councils.

More to come

The minister has announced that he will proceed with the formation of the following councils:

Subject to the decisions of the courts, the Minister has announced his in-principle support for the following mergers

Merger proposals pending