Anticipation builds as decision looms on Cootamundra-Gundagai demerger decision

Late last month minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman received a Boundaries Commission report recommending the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) be demerged.

Since their forced merger in 2016, tension has risen in the two communities, and former Cootamundra-Gundagai mayor Abb McAlister hopes the minister will make the right call.

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Cr McAlister also previously served as Gundagai mayor and is a current CGRC councillor.

"I certainly hope the minister listens to the Boundaries Commission and demerges Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council," Cr McAlister said.

"Socially and financially it's been a disaster and the only way I can see forward is to demerge."

Current Cootamundra-Gundagai mayor Charlie Sheahan would not pre-empt the minister's decision, but hopes that if a decision is made to demerge the two former councils, it would not cause as much upheaval as when the merger took place.

At that time, Cr Sheahan said councillors were dismissed "straight away and administrators were appointed."

"If you look at the past and the lessons learned there, a long period under administration is not that palatable with the community," Cr Sheahan said.

"So, while the councillors might be dismissed, it should be done as quickly as possible."

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