A merged Wollongong and Shellharbour council would be known as the City of Greater Wollongong, a media release mistakenly sent out by the Premier’s office has revealed.
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Despite a court injunction which delayed the government’s planned announcement that the unpopular merger would go ahead, a press release sent Thursday afternoon said:
“NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole said residents of the new City of Greater Wollongong Council will benefit from better services and infrastructure.”
The release labelled the creation of the new council as a “historic decision” and proceeded to extol the benefits of the merger.
“Following a recommendation by the delegate to proceed with the new council, I have decided to create City of Greater Wollongong Council by merging the former Shellharbour and Wollongong councils,” a quote from the local government minister said.
However, this release was quickly replaced by a toned-down announcement, that: “Minister for Local Government Paul Toole has said he supports in principle the creation of a new council for Shellharbour and Wollongong, subject to the decision of the court.”
“The delegate’s report into the proposed merger of Shellharbour and Wollongong Councils found a new council would have a stronger balance sheet and deliver a range of service and infrastructure benefits to the community,” Mr Toole said in the second release.
“It’s disappointing some self-interested councillors have delayed the community’s access to $10 million under the Stronger Communities Fund for important local projects.”
