Rob McKinnon, Chair of Keep Kiama Council Local

A group of residents formed Keep Kiama Council Local shortly after the proposal was announced to oppose the forced merger.

The protest group organised the public meeting after the Council meeting, and is spearheading efforts to galvanise the community to fight the proposal.

Its committee members are drawn from throughout the LGA and includes people with a record of community involvement and activism:

Jamberoo: Rob McKinnon (Chair), Vivien Marriss, Ian Pullar

Kiama: Bruce Elder, Kim Elder, Peter O’Neill, Rod Cork

Gerringong: Sandra McCarthy, Darrell Clingan, Andy Farrell

Kiama Downs: Nick Hartgerink

Minnamurra: Cliff Mason

They are encouraging all of Kiama to register their opposition to the forced merger by:

• Writing to the Premier and our local member Gareth Ward
• Signing the petitions circulating around the area
• Registering to talk to the Delegate when he comes to Kiama
• Talking to your friends about the issues involved

Decision expected by mid-year

Following the shock announcement of the merger proposal, the process is continuing apace. At time of print, this is the timeframe that is known:

• Delegate to meet with councils – imminent
• Public Inquiry: 3 February – two sessions in Kiama for verbal submissions (see below)
• Written submissions: closing date Sunday
  28 February
• Submissions reviewed: Delegates examine
  proposals and submissions and prepare reports
• Boundaries Commission: Reports provided to the Boundaries Commission for comment
• Minister: Delegates report to Minister Toole for decision
• New councils commence: Decision announced by proclamation of the Governor (expected around mid-2016)
• Elections for new councils: Expected April 2017