Hawkesbury Mayor CR Kim Ford responded to the news by saying the decision recognises the uniqueness of the Hawkesbury, and ensures that the interests of our community.
A report presented by Garry West, the Delegate of the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government assigned to review the Hawkesbury and part of the Hills merger proposal said:
“Having considered the merger proposal, previous review by the ILGRP and IPART, the submissions by the affected Councils, submissions from members of the public and community groups and other material the Delegate of the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government is not convinced that the proposal as submitted will result in efficient and effective local government in the existing and proposed new areas. It is therefore recommended that the proposal not be implemented.”
"The Hawkesbury and part of The Hills merger just did not make sense on many levels, be it financial, geographic or social,” Cr Ford said.
Cr Ford said Hawkesbury Council would now fully commit to the regional strategic alliance with Penrith and Blue Mountains City Councils.
Hills Shire Mayor Cr Michelle Byrne said she was disappointed that Hills suburbs below the M2 will become part of an enlarged Parramatta City Council, but she’s pleased the merger with the Hawkesbury won’t be proceeding.
“The Hills was open to the idea of a full merger with Hawkesbury if we kept all our suburbs, even if it wasn’t our first preference,” she said.
She said The Hills Shire Council was not in favour of being carved up and attached to an unfit Hawkesbury City Council.
“Our population is booming, our major challenge is managing growth and that’s what we will continue to focus on, without having to be concerned with tackling Hawkesbury’s $100 million infrastructure backlog.”
