Gareth Ward, who is also Member for Kiama, received a phone call from Premier Mike Baird on Thursday night, alerting him to plan.

“I listened to his proposition and I advised him that I have always been of the view that Kiama can and should stand alone, Mr Ward told the Mercury.

“I understand the government is seeking to make councils more efficient and to save ratepayers money, that is a great goal but this is not necessarily the way to do it.” 

The council amalgamation proposal was revealed by Mr Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole on Friday.

Wollongong and Shellharbour city councils would be forced to merge under the plan.

Kiama and Shoalhaven City councils would also join forces, much to the anger of residents and council members in the seaside town.

In regional NSW, 42 councils would be reduced to 20.

The proposal reduces greater Sydney councils from 43 to 25.

Mr Ward stressed the community would have the chance to have their say on the government’s vision.

“What I’d encourage the community to do is not get caught up in the emotive arguments, we need to make cool, calm and rational arguments, keeping in mind this is not a decision, this is a recommendation,” he said. 

The Liberal MP has come under fire from Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson, who said the merger plan showed Mr Ward’s guarantees were “worthless”. 

“Gareth Ward has egg all over his face,” Ms Watson said.

“He has told all the mayors in the Illawarra for months that the state government would not force councils in the region to amalgamate.”

Mr Ward hit back, saying there was no recommendation to force councils to merge and the proposal was simply the government’s suggested model.

Detailed merger proposals are being finalised and will be referred to the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government (OLG) for examination and report. 

A public consultation process, including public hearings, would follow before final proposals are referred to the Boundaries Commission for comment.

The public consultation process will begin in January. Detailed proposals will be made available at www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au

“Unlike Anna Watson who would never step outside her party line and is committed to the Labor Party, I’m committed to my community,” Mr Ward said. 

“I’ve made it clear I will not support this and will work with the community to ensure their views are strongly heard.”