Renewed speculation about potential council mergers has prompted one Kiama councillor to fund his own bumper sticker campaign to get the "no amalgamation" message across. The Independent Local Government Review Panel's discussion paper, The Case for Sustainable Change, argues there is a need to review local government structures, including those in the Illawarra. Kiama councillor Andrew Sloan said that with the review panel due to hand down its final report in June, the residents of the Kiama municipality needed to tell the state government now that they wanted to stand alone. OPINION: The case against an Illawarra 'super council' MORE: Councillors take stand against Kiama merger "Kiama council has a long history of community consultation, it is different to councils around and we believe we provide a very high standard of service and facilities," Cr Sloan said. "When people in Kiama were polled a few years ago, more than 90 per cent were opposed to any form of amalgamation. "The only reason I have heard in support of amalgamation is that costs will be lowered. "But that will not be the case based on what is happening in southern Queensland." Cr Sloan said a "no amalgamation" petition could be signed and free bumper stickers collected at newsagents at Gainsborough, Jamberoo, Gerringong, Kiama Centro and Gerroa, as well as at the Manning Street General Store, Kiama Library and Bushrangers Bakery Cafe at Kiama Downs. "I urge all residents who are opposed to Kiama being amalgamated to collect their free bumper sticker, sign the petition and let the state government know what you think of the idea," he said. Kiama council planned to host a series of workshops and displays about the proposed local government reforms, Cr Sloan said.
Kiama councillor Andrew Sloan shows off his bumper sticker. Picture: SYLVIA LIBER
Renewed speculation about potential council mergers has prompted one Kiama councillor to fund his own bumper sticker campaign to get the "no amalgamation" message across.
The Independent Local Government Review Panel's discussion paper, The Case for Sustainable Change, argues there is a need to review local government structures, including those in the Illawarra.
Kiama councillor Andrew Sloan said that with the review panel due to hand down its final report in June, the residents of the Kiama municipality needed to tell the state government now that they wanted to stand alone.
"Kiama council has a long history of community consultation, it is different to councils around and we believe we provide a very high standard of service and facilities," Cr Sloan said.
"When people in Kiama were polled a few years ago, more than 90 per cent were opposed to any form of amalgamation.
"The only reason I have heard in support of amalgamation is that costs will be lowered.
"But that will not be the case based on what is happening in southern Queensland."
Cr Sloan said a "no amalgamation" petition could be signed and free bumper stickers collected at newsagents at Gainsborough, Jamberoo, Gerringong, Kiama Centro and Gerroa, as well as at the Manning Street General Store, Kiama Library and Bushrangers Bakery Cafe at Kiama Downs.
"I urge all residents who are opposed to Kiama being amalgamated to collect their free bumper sticker, sign the petition and let the state government know what you think of the idea," he said.
Kiama council planned to host a series of workshops and displays about the proposed local government reforms, Cr Sloan said.
