Shoalhaven and Kiama Councils Proposed Amalgamation - Information Page
This page contains information and articles related to the proposed amalgamation of Shoalhaven and Kiama Councils
Further information is available at:-
- Shoalhaven Council website : http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Fit-For-the-Future-Merge-Proposal
- State Govt Merger website : https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/
Further information is available at:-
- Shoalhaven Council website : http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Fit-For-the-Future-Merge-Proposal
- State Govt Merger website : https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/
Kiama says NO to Merger
Published 8 May 2016
In the first electoral test of the controversial plan for council amalgamation, NSW south coast voters have joined a growing backlash against the State Government's scheme. The state electoral commission has reported that 95.5 per cent of Kiama voters who took part in a voluntary referendum said 'no'....more
Published 8 May 2016
In the first electoral test of the controversial plan for council amalgamation, NSW south coast voters have joined a growing backlash against the State Government's scheme. The state electoral commission has reported that 95.5 per cent of Kiama voters who took part in a voluntary referendum said 'no'....more
Council Amalgamation - Planned Public Meeting / Enquiry in Ulladulla
Published 9 February 2016
Public Meeting - Wednesday 10 February 2016
7pm
Ulladulla Civic Centre
Princes Hwy
Ulladulla
Public Enquiry - Thursday 25 February 2016
7:00pm-10:00pm
Milton-Ulladulla Ex-Servo's Club
212-220 Princes Hwy
Ulladulla
(Must register to attend and/or to speak - see note below and the Media Release on Council website - click here)
Published 9 February 2016
Public Meeting - Wednesday 10 February 2016
7pm
Ulladulla Civic Centre
Princes Hwy
Ulladulla
Public Enquiry - Thursday 25 February 2016
7:00pm-10:00pm
Milton-Ulladulla Ex-Servo's Club
212-220 Princes Hwy
Ulladulla
(Must register to attend and/or to speak - see note below and the Media Release on Council website - click here)
Public Enquiry Ulladulla - 25 Feb 16
Published 9 February 2016
Email received from Greg Wright, delegate for the Shoalhaven and Kiama proposed merger
"Thank you for your earlier representations seeking an additional public inquiry (into the proposal to merge Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council) to be held in the south of the Shoalhaven City area.
I am pleased to advise that an additional inquiry has now been scheduled. A session has been set down for the Milton Ulladulla Ex Servo’s Club in Ulladulla for:
Thursday 25 February 2016 from 7pm to 10pm
You may register to attend and/or to speak on the Council Boundary Review website ( https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/ ) or by contacting 1300 813 020.
You may also make a written submission at the same website or by mail to:
Council Boundary Review
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001
Greg Wright
Delegate
Kiama Municipal and Shoalhaven City Councils proposal"
Published 9 February 2016
Email received from Greg Wright, delegate for the Shoalhaven and Kiama proposed merger
"Thank you for your earlier representations seeking an additional public inquiry (into the proposal to merge Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council) to be held in the south of the Shoalhaven City area.
I am pleased to advise that an additional inquiry has now been scheduled. A session has been set down for the Milton Ulladulla Ex Servo’s Club in Ulladulla for:
Thursday 25 February 2016 from 7pm to 10pm
You may register to attend and/or to speak on the Council Boundary Review website ( https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/ ) or by contacting 1300 813 020.
You may also make a written submission at the same website or by mail to:
Council Boundary Review
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001
Greg Wright
Delegate
Kiama Municipal and Shoalhaven City Councils proposal"
Presentation to the Public Enquiry in Nowra
Published 3 February 2016
Email received from Jessica Rippon regarding the Public Meeting held in Nowra on 3 Feb
Hi All,
The Public Inquiry for the Merger Proposal was held in Nowra on the 3rd of February 2016.
The inquiry was well attended by our community, with a number of CCBs and other community groups at the Nowra session. It was very pleasing to see some CCB/Chamber members speaking at the inquiry, as well as other community representatives and we thank them all for their efforts.
As part of the inquiry, a presentation was provided by Russ Pigg- General Manager on behalf of Council. A copy of the presentation made by Russ is attached for your reference (click here - 299Kb). It can also be circulated to your members for their information.
A reminder that submissions are still open and can be made at https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/
We thank you for your continued interest in this matter.
Kind regards
Jessica Rippon Executive Manager-Communications
Published 3 February 2016
Email received from Jessica Rippon regarding the Public Meeting held in Nowra on 3 Feb
Hi All,
The Public Inquiry for the Merger Proposal was held in Nowra on the 3rd of February 2016.
The inquiry was well attended by our community, with a number of CCBs and other community groups at the Nowra session. It was very pleasing to see some CCB/Chamber members speaking at the inquiry, as well as other community representatives and we thank them all for their efforts.
As part of the inquiry, a presentation was provided by Russ Pigg- General Manager on behalf of Council. A copy of the presentation made by Russ is attached for your reference (click here - 299Kb). It can also be circulated to your members for their information.
A reminder that submissions are still open and can be made at https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/
We thank you for your continued interest in this matter.
Kind regards
Jessica Rippon Executive Manager-Communications
Do you know about the Merger? - Update from Jessica Rippon
Published 2 February 2016
Email received from Jessica Rippon, Executive Manager Communication, Shoalhaven City Council, with a message from the Mayor, Joanna Gash, and the Council General Manager, Russ Pigg (click on the link below):-
" Hi All,
Further to my previous emails regarding the merger proposal Council has now provided additional information on Council’s website http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Merge-Proposal-Facts-and-Considerations
The website includes further information regarding the case for and against the merger.
A printable A4 brochure is also available from the website ( under “What can I do”- fourth dot point down).
This brochure is being delivered to all residents in Shoalhaven via letterbox drop over the next two weeks.
I do have additional copies should you require hard copies to provide to your community.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kind Regards
Jessica Rippon
Executive Manager-Communications"
Published 2 February 2016
Email received from Jessica Rippon, Executive Manager Communication, Shoalhaven City Council, with a message from the Mayor, Joanna Gash, and the Council General Manager, Russ Pigg (click on the link below):-
" Hi All,
Further to my previous emails regarding the merger proposal Council has now provided additional information on Council’s website http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Merge-Proposal-Facts-and-Considerations
The website includes further information regarding the case for and against the merger.
A printable A4 brochure is also available from the website ( under “What can I do”- fourth dot point down).
This brochure is being delivered to all residents in Shoalhaven via letterbox drop over the next two weeks.
I do have additional copies should you require hard copies to provide to your community.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Kind Regards
Jessica Rippon
Executive Manager-Communications"
Shoalhaven City Council finds merger proposal “unworkable” (Council Media Release)
Published 25 January 2016
Shoalhaven City Council held an Extraordinary Meeting today to discuss the proposed merger of Kiama Municipal and Shoalhaven City councils. Council voted unanimously to adopt a position stating the present proposal is unworkable in its present form. “My view is that this merger proposal, presented in its current form, contains several anomalies, statement of financial processes and rating proposals that could well jeopardise Shoalhaven City’s capability to grow .... read more
Published 25 January 2016
Shoalhaven City Council held an Extraordinary Meeting today to discuss the proposed merger of Kiama Municipal and Shoalhaven City councils. Council voted unanimously to adopt a position stating the present proposal is unworkable in its present form. “My view is that this merger proposal, presented in its current form, contains several anomalies, statement of financial processes and rating proposals that could well jeopardise Shoalhaven City’s capability to grow .... read more
Council Amalgamation - Planned Meetings
Published / Updated 21 January 2016
The following community meetings have been organised within the Shoalhaven Local Council area to discuss the proposed merger of Shoalhaven and Kiama Councils. The list will be updated as information on meetings becomes available:
Wednesday 20 January 2016
7pm
St Georges Basin Country Club
11 Paradise Rd,
Sanctuary Point
Organised by Clr Greg Watson and former Clr Bob Proudfoot
Wednesday 3 February 2016
9am - 12 noon
and
7pm - 10pm
Kiama Leagues Club
109 Terralong St
Kiama
Wednesday 3 February 2016
2pm - 5pm
Nowra Ex-Servicemen’s Club
157 Junction St
Nowra
NB: The 3 Feb meetings are Public Enquiry Meetings. Individuals wanting to make representation must register online
at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/#meetings
or by contacting 1300 813 020.
Published / Updated 21 January 2016
The following community meetings have been organised within the Shoalhaven Local Council area to discuss the proposed merger of Shoalhaven and Kiama Councils. The list will be updated as information on meetings becomes available:
Wednesday 20 January 2016
7pm
St Georges Basin Country Club
11 Paradise Rd,
Sanctuary Point
Organised by Clr Greg Watson and former Clr Bob Proudfoot
Wednesday 3 February 2016
9am - 12 noon
and
7pm - 10pm
Kiama Leagues Club
109 Terralong St
Kiama
Wednesday 3 February 2016
2pm - 5pm
Nowra Ex-Servicemen’s Club
157 Junction St
Nowra
NB: The 3 Feb meetings are Public Enquiry Meetings. Individuals wanting to make representation must register online
at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/#meetings
or by contacting 1300 813 020.
Council Amalgamation - Comment from Milton-Ulladulla Times
Published 21 January 2016
Email received from Katrina Condie, Senior Journalist at Milton Ulladulla Times Newspaper
"Hi all,
See link below re Times comment calling for an urgent merger meeting in Ulladulla. Please email your comments if you support a meeting being held in Ulladulla to inform southern Shoalhaven residents about the proposal to merge with Kiama.
regards
Katrina
http://www.ulladullatimes.com.au/story/3677989/southern-meeting-a-must-ahead-of-proposed-merger-comment/?cs=1228
Katrina Condie
Senior Journalist
Milton Ulladulla Times Newspaper
Published 21 January 2016
Email received from Katrina Condie, Senior Journalist at Milton Ulladulla Times Newspaper
"Hi all,
See link below re Times comment calling for an urgent merger meeting in Ulladulla. Please email your comments if you support a meeting being held in Ulladulla to inform southern Shoalhaven residents about the proposal to merge with Kiama.
regards
Katrina
http://www.ulladullatimes.com.au/story/3677989/southern-meeting-a-must-ahead-of-proposed-merger-comment/?cs=1228
Katrina Condie
Senior Journalist
Milton Ulladulla Times Newspaper
Council Amalgamation - Ulladulla CCB Meeting
Published 15 January 2016
The following email was received on 15 Jan 2016 from the Ulladulla CCB:
"Dear Members,
At our next Forum meeting scheduled for Monday 1 February, 2016 Downstairs Ulladulla Civic Centre commencing 7pm there will be a brief discussion regarding the proposed merger or amalgamation of Shoalhaven City Council with Kiama Council.
As our areas CCB group we have also been invited to attend an Information Meeting along with other CCB groups within the Shoalhaven about the proposed merger, Council then hope we will then relay this information back to all the residents, as the date of the Workshop is also the same date scheduled for the Australia Day Awards presentation ceremony, the short timeframe does not allow much time to be prepared so we have asked Council to consider holding a Public Meeting in Ulladulla to inform the community what the merger will mean to our Districts.
This email is to let you know what has thus far been organised in the Shoalhaven and Kiama areas, so you can choose to attend if able, we also take this opportunity to encourage you to pass on details of these meetings to your neighbours, friends and anyone else who may be interested in the future direction that is proposed for our community/area. Details have also been posted on our Facebook page and Website click on the links below and share.
http://www.ulladullaforum.com.au/
Regards
Sunnee Ord
Secretary
Ulladulla & Districts Community Forum"
Published 15 January 2016
The following email was received on 15 Jan 2016 from the Ulladulla CCB:
"Dear Members,
At our next Forum meeting scheduled for Monday 1 February, 2016 Downstairs Ulladulla Civic Centre commencing 7pm there will be a brief discussion regarding the proposed merger or amalgamation of Shoalhaven City Council with Kiama Council.
As our areas CCB group we have also been invited to attend an Information Meeting along with other CCB groups within the Shoalhaven about the proposed merger, Council then hope we will then relay this information back to all the residents, as the date of the Workshop is also the same date scheduled for the Australia Day Awards presentation ceremony, the short timeframe does not allow much time to be prepared so we have asked Council to consider holding a Public Meeting in Ulladulla to inform the community what the merger will mean to our Districts.
This email is to let you know what has thus far been organised in the Shoalhaven and Kiama areas, so you can choose to attend if able, we also take this opportunity to encourage you to pass on details of these meetings to your neighbours, friends and anyone else who may be interested in the future direction that is proposed for our community/area. Details have also been posted on our Facebook page and Website click on the links below and share.
http://www.ulladullaforum.com.au/
Regards
Sunnee Ord
Secretary
Ulladulla & Districts Community Forum"
Council Amalgamation - Amalgamation Meeting at St Georges Basin
Published 14 January 2016
The following email was received from Greg Watson (and indirectly from the Vincentia CCB):-
"Amalgamation Meeting
The president of the Vincentia CCB Bob Proudfoot and I have called a Public Meeting to discuss the issue of the amalgamation of our area with Kiama. It will be held on Wed 20 Jan at 7.00 pm at the St Georges Basin Country Club Auditorium
We have taken this action because of the failure of Shoalhaven Council to properly inform our resident of what is going on, in fact there is a little over 6 Weeks until the process is finalised.
Because of the lack of information from Council I have included a copy of the fact sheet prepared by Kiama Council. Please consider informing your members about this Meeting.
Additionally I found online petition which a local group have launched, please forward it on to your members.
https://www.change.org/p/gareth-ward-mp-shelley-hancock-mp-premier-mike-baird-save-shoalhaven?recruiter=51408001&utm_source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink
Kind regards,
Greg Watson
Co Convener
Published 14 January 2016
The following email was received from Greg Watson (and indirectly from the Vincentia CCB):-
"Amalgamation Meeting
The president of the Vincentia CCB Bob Proudfoot and I have called a Public Meeting to discuss the issue of the amalgamation of our area with Kiama. It will be held on Wed 20 Jan at 7.00 pm at the St Georges Basin Country Club Auditorium
We have taken this action because of the failure of Shoalhaven Council to properly inform our resident of what is going on, in fact there is a little over 6 Weeks until the process is finalised.
Because of the lack of information from Council I have included a copy of the fact sheet prepared by Kiama Council. Please consider informing your members about this Meeting.
Additionally I found online petition which a local group have launched, please forward it on to your members.
https://www.change.org/p/gareth-ward-mp-shelley-hancock-mp-premier-mike-baird-save-shoalhaven?recruiter=51408001&utm_source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink
Kind regards,
Greg Watson
Co Convener
Council Merger Discussion Paper - Update from Jessica Rippon
Published 8 January 2016
Email from Jessica Rippon:
"Hi All,
Today Council has release a Discussion Paper outlining a number of facts and figures regarding the State Government’s proposal for a merger between Kiama and Shoalhaven Council. The discussion paper is attached for you to send to your communities. A copy will also be available on our website.
This is a very important document for you and your community to review. You are encouraged to understand the facts about the merger and to form your own opinion about what it means for you and our City.
The Office Local Government has now appointed Council with a delegate, Greg Wright, to undertake consultation in both Council areas. The delegate, Mr Wright, will facilitate the public meetings where members of the public and council will be able to make their presentations. We have not been provided with dates for these public meetings yet , but will make them available once this is known. Details about the considerations and process that Mr Wright must undertake are provided at http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Fit-For-the-Future-Merge-Proposal
To help you understand all the facts and communicate these to your communities we are also proposing to hold a briefing for CCBs and will advise you of a date and time for this in the near future.
The submission period for you to make comment about the proposal ( which can be accessed at https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/ ) is now open.
Written submissions close 5.00pm Sunday 28 February 2016 and can be submitted either online https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/ or by mail.
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001
Kind regards
Jessica
Jessica Rippon
Community Engagement and Communications
Published 8 January 2016
Email from Jessica Rippon:
"Hi All,
Today Council has release a Discussion Paper outlining a number of facts and figures regarding the State Government’s proposal for a merger between Kiama and Shoalhaven Council. The discussion paper is attached for you to send to your communities. A copy will also be available on our website.
This is a very important document for you and your community to review. You are encouraged to understand the facts about the merger and to form your own opinion about what it means for you and our City.
The Office Local Government has now appointed Council with a delegate, Greg Wright, to undertake consultation in both Council areas. The delegate, Mr Wright, will facilitate the public meetings where members of the public and council will be able to make their presentations. We have not been provided with dates for these public meetings yet , but will make them available once this is known. Details about the considerations and process that Mr Wright must undertake are provided at http://shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Fit-For-the-Future-Merge-Proposal
To help you understand all the facts and communicate these to your communities we are also proposing to hold a briefing for CCBs and will advise you of a date and time for this in the near future.
The submission period for you to make comment about the proposal ( which can be accessed at https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/kiama-municipal-and-shoalhaven-city-councils/ ) is now open.
Written submissions close 5.00pm Sunday 28 February 2016 and can be submitted either online https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/ or by mail.
GPO Box 5341
Sydney NSW 2001
Kind regards
Jessica
Jessica Rippon
Community Engagement and Communications
Council Amalgamation - Update from Jessica Rippon
Published 23 December 2015
Email from Jessica Rippon, Community Engagement and Communications, Shoalhaven City Council:
"Hi All,
As you may now be aware the NSW State Government has proposed a merger between Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council.
In order to provide our community with the facts and information related to this proposal we have set up a dedicated webpage, within the Council website, where details about the proposal can be found.
This page can be viewed at: http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Fit-For-the-Future-Merge-Proposal. It can also be accessed from the front page of our website.
This page will be regularly updated as new information comes to hand, so please keep your eye out for updated information on our website related to this proposal.
Could you please also pass this information on to your members.
Kind regards
Jessica
Jessica Rippon
Community Engagement and Communications"
Published 23 December 2015
Email from Jessica Rippon, Community Engagement and Communications, Shoalhaven City Council:
"Hi All,
As you may now be aware the NSW State Government has proposed a merger between Kiama Municipal Council and Shoalhaven City Council.
In order to provide our community with the facts and information related to this proposal we have set up a dedicated webpage, within the Council website, where details about the proposal can be found.
This page can be viewed at: http://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/My-Council/Fit-For-the-Future-Merge-Proposal. It can also be accessed from the front page of our website.
This page will be regularly updated as new information comes to hand, so please keep your eye out for updated information on our website related to this proposal.
Could you please also pass this information on to your members.
Kind regards
Jessica
Jessica Rippon
Community Engagement and Communications"
Council Merger/Amalgamation Map - Email from Russ Pigg
Published 18 December 2015
Email from Russ Pigg, General Manager, Shoalhaven City Council:
"Dear everyone,
The Premier has announced 35 merger proposals for the State. As you can see a lot of “unfit” councils appear to be left as stand alone, but Proposal for Shoalhaven & Kiama to merge.
It is expected further written information will be received later today.
It is understood that Office of Local Government “delegates” will be consulting affected councils & communities commencing in January 2016 and then prepare a Report for the Boundaries Commission.
It remains “business as usual” over the coming months whilst this process is undertaken. IF, at the end of the day the Minister supports & recommends a merger of the two council then there are legal protections for staff to continue employment for the 1st three years of the new council.
Updates will be posted as more information comes to hand.
Regards
Russ Pigg "A map of the proposed mergers is attached to the email - click here (788Kb)
Published 18 December 2015
Email from Russ Pigg, General Manager, Shoalhaven City Council:
"Dear everyone,
The Premier has announced 35 merger proposals for the State. As you can see a lot of “unfit” councils appear to be left as stand alone, but Proposal for Shoalhaven & Kiama to merge.
It is expected further written information will be received later today.
It is understood that Office of Local Government “delegates” will be consulting affected councils & communities commencing in January 2016 and then prepare a Report for the Boundaries Commission.
It remains “business as usual” over the coming months whilst this process is undertaken. IF, at the end of the day the Minister supports & recommends a merger of the two council then there are legal protections for staff to continue employment for the 1st three years of the new council.
Updates will be posted as more information comes to hand.
Regards
Russ Pigg "A map of the proposed mergers is attached to the email - click here (788Kb)
Local Council Reform
Published 18 Nov 2015
Email from Russ Pigg, General Manager, Shoalhaven City Council, quote "You would have heard a lot in the media about the “Fit for the Future” local government reforms, debate about possible mergers etc. Shoalhaven City has been assesses as “fit” by IPART when it recently released its Report, which also says that there is no evidence to suggest that council should not remain as a “stand alone” council.
The following links gives you access to the Upper House Final Report on the Inquiry into Local Government – released today (29 Oct)....."
Russ Pigg <[email protected]>
Click here to view a copy of the Final Report
Published 18 Nov 2015
Email from Russ Pigg, General Manager, Shoalhaven City Council, quote "You would have heard a lot in the media about the “Fit for the Future” local government reforms, debate about possible mergers etc. Shoalhaven City has been assesses as “fit” by IPART when it recently released its Report, which also says that there is no evidence to suggest that council should not remain as a “stand alone” council.
The following links gives you access to the Upper House Final Report on the Inquiry into Local Government – released today (29 Oct)....."
Russ Pigg <[email protected]>
Click here to view a copy of the Final Report
