Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I speak again on the topic of local government.

Government Members:

Government members interjecting—

Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Guys! Currently three local councils—Kiama, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven—are part of Gilmore. They are each uniquely placed to represent their communities. The draft amalgamation proposal for these regional councils has been the subject of many community meetings and many submissions to the delegate. My state colleagues have been working on methods to best represent the community as a whole. We all acknowledge that the local government system needs addressing, especially in urban locations but perhaps not quite so much in the regions.

The communities in the Gilmore councils have been vocal and passionate in fighting against amalgamation. I am hopeful that the process can be as collegiate as possible and that the decision making can be kept as transparent as possible. On Friday last week, the AEC gazetted changes to the boundaries of Gilmore. After the next election the residents of Shellharbour will move out of the electorate. I will continue to work on their behalf until then. However, residents in parts of the Eurobodalla shire will be added to Gilmore. The boundary now extends from South Durras through to Tuross Head and Turlinjah, including Batemans Bay, Mogo, Nelligen, Moruya and many other beautiful locations.

It was great to meet the mayor, Lindsay Brown, the council team, many business owners and the chamber of commerce presidents. I continue to look forward to finding out what this new community needs and working hard for them, as I have been doing.