Randwick City's Future

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Consultation has concluded

Current situation

On 27 July 2017 the NSW Premier announced that the proposed Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra merger is not proceeding. This announcement follows legal action by Woollahra Council and Randwick Council to oppose the merger.

This means Randwick Council will not be amalgamated and will continue to stand alone.

Thank you to everybody who took part in Randwick Council's community consultation activities between 2014 and now. Your feedback has been vital to help guide Council's decisions on this important issue.

For more historic information refer to the Local Government Reform section on Council's website.

Current situation

On 27 July 2017 the NSW Premier announced that the proposed Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra merger is not proceeding. This announcement follows legal action by Woollahra Council and Randwick Council to oppose the merger.

This means Randwick Council will not be amalgamated and will continue to stand alone.

Thank you to everybody who took part in Randwick Council's community consultation activities between 2014 and now. Your feedback has been vital to help guide Council's decisions on this important issue.

For more historic information refer to the Local Government Reform section on Council's website.

Consultation has concluded
  • Council welcomes merger back down

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    Randwick Council media release

    27 July 2017

    Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza today welcomed the NSW Government’s decision not to merge Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils.

    “I am very pleased that the NSW Government has now listened to the community,” Mayor D’Souza said.

    “Randwick City Council’s position has always been that we oppose mergers and would prefer to stand alone. Our Council is one of the largest, strongest and most financially viable in the state.

    “The NSW Government’s now defunct Fit for the Future program was orchestrated to force council mergers. They told us ‘no change is not an option’ and created a process that forced mergers.

    “Our Council took a strong leadership role and protected our community and our staff. We commenced preparatory works for a potential merger with our partners Waverley and Woollahra after the NSW Government told us that mergers would be proceeding.

    “I will be seeking full compensation from the Government for Council’s incurred costs in preparing for their merger. It’s not fair that Randwick ratepayers should pay for the Government’s backflip and indecision.

    “Now it’s time to get on with the job of serving the residents of Randwick City and continuing to provide the high quality services and facilities that they deserve,” Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza said.


  • NSW Gov: Proposed council mergers before the courts will not proceed

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    NSW Premier Media Release

    27 July 2017

    Due to the protracted nature of current legal challenges and the uncertainty this is causing ratepayers, those council amalgamations currently before the courts will not proceed.

    Premier Gladys Berejiklian said while the amalgamations program had been successful and ratepayers in the merged councils were benefitting, the NSW Government had decided to end the uncertainty with the remaining proposed mergers.

    See full media release.
  • Randwick Council to mount legal challenge to merger proposal

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    Randwick Council media release

    17 May 2017

    Randwick City Council will commence legal proceedings against the NSW Government in an attempt to prevent a merger with Woollahra and Waverley Councils.

    The decision was reached at an Extraordinary Meeting on 9 May 2017, but was put on hold following a rescission motion lodged the same night which has since been withdrawn.

    Woollahra Council was granted leave on 12 May 2017 to appeal to the High Court.

    Randwick Council’s legal advice found the Council has grounds of appeal.

    “Randwick Council’s position has consistently been that we are financially viable and strong enough to stand alone,” Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza said.

    “With the climate changing it’s prudent that we consider our options.”

    The Council resolved to publicly release its legal advice to establish and enhance the credibility and transparency of Council’s actions.


  • Eastern Beaches Council winning name

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    JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

    RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL & WAVERLEY COUNCIL

    4 July 2016

    Eastern Beaches Council has been chosen as the winning name in Waverley and Randwick Councils’ Name Your New Council competition.

    The Mayors of Waverley and Randwick chose this name after assessing the results of 349 submissions from the community.

    Of the 349 entries from the Waverley, Randwick and Woollahra communities, 19 per cent chose Eastern Beaches Council as their preferred name for the merged council.

    Waverley Mayor, Sally Betts said Eastern Beaches was chosen due to the community pride in the beautiful coastal lifestyle residents in all three council areas enjoy every day.

    “Residents rightly pointed out that this area has the best beaches in Australia in Sydney’s East,” she said.

    “I am delighted the community had an opportunity to have a say on this important decision.

    “It is exciting that the community will now have a sense of ownership on the name of the new entity.”

    Randwick Mayor, Noel D’Souza said the competition shows that residents across the eastern suburbs feel a strong sense of connection with the beach.

    “I’d like to thank everybody who had their say in this important consultation. It’s clear that the beach lifestyle resonates strongly with many people and it creates a proud community of interest.

    “Randwick City Council has an adopted position of a preference for the name Eastern Sydney Council, however the community has spoken and I am happy to also put forward to the Government the suggestion Eastern Beaches Council.”

    “The proposed merger of Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra will result in a strong eastern beaches council with 28 beaches and bays, three national parks and 274,000 residents,” Mayor D’Souza said.

    Winners of the competition will win a double pass to see a movie at their choice of The Ritz Cinema in Randwick or Event Cinema in Bondi Junction.

    While originally, the councils planned to submit three preferred names to the State Government, the Mayors felt Eastern Beaches Council was the standout winner.

    Other names that were popular included Eastern Sydney Council, Eastern Suburbs Council, and Sydney Eastern Bays. Fifty-four per cent of all submissions included East, 21 per cent included beaches, and 7 per cent included the coast.

    Comments from residents included “the beaches is what makes this part of Sydney so special”, “it is a logical descriptive and evocative of the area”, “it describes the area’s main attraction”, “it’s obvious”, “it’s a true name and very fitting”.

    The winning name chosen by the community and other possible names will be submitted to the State Government prior to proclamation of the new entity.


  • Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra not included in first round of mergers

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    MEDIA RELEASE

    RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL

    12 May 2016

    Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza today said Randwick City Council is not included in 19 local government mergers across the state announced by the NSW Government.

    “We are not included in the first round of mergers,” Mayor D’Souza said. “In announcing the Council mergers, the Government has not included Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra, despite us being recommended to merge in a proposal released by the Minister earlier this year.

    “It seems that we are not part of this first round of mergers because of the pending court case decision brought about by Woollahra Council against the merger. In a media statement issued by the Premier today, it says the Minister for Local Government supports creating a further nine councils, subject to decisions of the court.

    “We’ve always said as a Council we’d prefer to stand alone. We know this is what most residents want, but we’ve also been dealing with a Government that wants to reform local government.

    “I think today’s announcement by the Government shows they are pretty serious about getting on with the job of merging councils. I think residents should prepare themselves for the possibility that a merger of Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra may happen soon, once the court case is resolved.

    “I also would like residents to know that if a new eastern beaches council is created, it’s nothing to fear and staff from all three councils have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition.

    “I believe the impact on residents would be minimal and if I’m still a part of the Council, I will be ensuring that we not only continue providing our existing services, but provide even greater services and projects for the eastern beaches area,” Mayor D’Souza said.

    __________________________________

    Visit www.strongercouncils.nsw.gov.au for further information on the proposed merger between Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils.

    The following documents and reports provide an in-depth look at The Delegate's consultation and ruling process:


  • Waverley and Randwick staff planning for a new eastern suburbs council

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    MEDIA RELEASE
    RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL

    20 April 2016

    Almost 400 staff from Waverley and Randwick Council met for the first time on Thursday 14 April to start the planning work for a new eastern suburbs council.

    The staff all volunteered to be part of 70 Project Action Teams looking at every council function including road maintenance, libraries, childcare, rubbish and recycling, parking, finance, planning and development. The teams have been tasked with analysing the current practices of the councils and recommending a way forward for the new organisation.

    The new council would cover the existing Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Council areas combining 1,500 staff and taking in 274,000 residents across Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The new organisation will be the third largest council in Sydney with an annual income of approximately $369M.

    The merger is just one of 35 Council Merger Proposals released by the NSW Government late last year and is expected to come into effect in mid 2016.

    Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza said the two councils were leading by example.

    “Creating a new organisation as complex as a local council is no easy task, but with the enthusiasm and professional approach taken by our staff we are well on our way,” Mayor D’Souza said.

    “I sense a genuine excitement in our staff about the possibilities of providing even better services and facilities for our residents and ratepayers.

    “I’d like to thank all staff involved in the process – an organisation is only as good as its people and I’m proud of our great staff who serve our community every day,” Mayor D’Souza said.

    Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said the councils were conscious of the need to provide continuation of services for residents.

    “It is critical if the government decides the amalgamation of our three councils will go ahead that we are able to guarantee to all our residents that they will continue to receive the services they already enjoy from day one of the new council without any disruption. It is fantastic that our staff are working to ensure our services can be merged and improved in a smooth and transparent way.

    “Our aim is to l deliver a smooth transition and continue our high-performing and customer-focused culture of putting residents first.

    “Hopefully in the near future Woollahra staff will be joining the Waverley and Randwick teams. In the meantime, we will ensure that quality services continue to be delivered to Woollahra residents as well.” Mayor Betts said.

    The Project Action Teams will continue to meet regularly over the coming weeks to plan for the merge.

    Randwick and Waverley Council are calling for community input into the name of the new council. Residents can also suggest a name for the new council online by visiting www.yoursayrandwick.com.au or www.haveyoursaywaverley.com.au.


  • Randwick - Waverley - Woollahra Merger Proposal Public Inquiry

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    The Office of Local Government is coordinating a public hearing on the NSW Minister for Local Government's proposal to merge Randwick, Waverley and Woollahra Councils.

    Thursday, 4 February 2016
    1pm - 5pm
    Club Rose Bay
    1 Vickery Ave
    Rose Bay NSW 2029

    Thursday, 4 February 2016
    7pm - 10pm
    Club Rose Bay
    1 Vickery Ave
    Rose Bay NSW 2029

    Members of the public who would like to attend are requested to register online or by contacting 1300 813 020. Members of the public who would like to speak at the inquiry are requested to indicate that they wish to do so when they register to attend.

    Members of the public may only speak once at the inquiry and the order of speaking will be determined by the Delegate. Registrations to speak will close at 12noon on Friday 29 January.

    You can view more information and register to speak on the NSW Government Council Boundary Review website.


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  • Council merger proposal open for comment

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    The NSW Government is seeking feedback on its plan to create a new eastern beaches council by merging Randwick Council with neighbouring Waverley and Woollahra Councils.

    This would create a new council of 274,000 residents spanning the eastern suburbs from Watsons Bay to La Perouse and deliver cost savings.

    The proposal is currently on public exhibition and submissions can be made online to the Office of Local Government.

    Submissions should refer directly to the proposal and submission authors are encouraged (but not required) to focus on one or more of the factors in section 263(3) of the Act, being:

    • the financial advantages or disadvantages of the proposal to the residents and ratepayers of the areas concerned;
    • the community of interest and geographic cohesion in the existing areas and in any proposed new area;
    • the existing historical and traditional values in the existing areas and the impact of change on them;
    • the attitude of the residents and ratepayers of the areas concerned;
    • the requirements of the area concerned in relation to elected representation for residents and ratepayers at the local level, the desirable and appropriate relationship between elected representatives and ratepayers and residents and such other matters as considered relevant in relation to the past and future patterns of elected representation for that area;
    • the impact of the proposal on the ability of the council to provide adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities;
    • the impact of the proposal on the employment of the staff by the council;
    • the impact of the proposal on any rural communities in the resulting area;
    • the desirability (or otherwise) of dividing the resulting area or areas into wards
    • the need to ensure that the opinions of each of the diverse communities of the resulting area or areas are effectively represented; and
    • any other factors relevant to the provision of efficient and effective local government in the existing and proposed new areas.

    www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au


    Submissions due: 5pm Sunday 28 February 2016.

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  • Randwick and Waverley have been declared FIT for the Future

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    JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
    RANDWICK CITY COUNCIL
    WAVERLEY COUNCIL

    21 October 2015

    The NSW Government and the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal declared that the Randwick Waverley Councils merger proposal as ‘fit’ for the future.

    Randwick Mayor Noel D’Souza and Waverley Mayor Sally Betts have together welcomed the announcement by Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Local Government Paul Toole and say it has safeguarded our eastern beaches identity.

    Randwick Mayor, Noel D’Souza said:

    “We listened to our community, who clearly told us earlier this year that they value our eastern beaches identity and strongly oppose becoming part of a global city council with the City of Sydney, as originally proposed by the Independent Local Government Review Panel,” he said.

    “Merging our two Councils will protect us from the threat of a global city while further uniting our eastern beaches community and delivering cost savings of up to $103M in the first 10 years alone. This is money we can directly invest into extra services for our residents.

    “This announcement paves the way for a strong, eastern beaches council and I am pleased to see all our hard work and leadership has paid off,” Mayor D’Souza said.

    Waverley Mayor Sally Betts said:

    “A Waverley Randwick merge means our residents will keep their local identity rather than becoming part of the Global City. We know this is a better outcome for our communities, which is why we are delighted IPART has deemed our merger proposal fit for the future. Our residents share communities of interest and a passion for our beautiful area,” she said.

    “We have always wanted to deliver better services to our residents, which is why we worked hard on our merger proposal. We know together we can provide improved services and increased facilities without disruption to our residents.

    “This is a really exciting time for local government, and I’m delighted Waverley and Randwick are leading the way for a better future for our communities,” Mayor Betts said.

    Randwick and Waverley Councils submitted their joint merger proposal on 29 June 2015 to the IPART in response to the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future program. A copy of the proposal is available here.

    Both Councils have also implemented five years employment protection for our staff when amalgamations occurs.

    The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal have released their findings, declaring that only one third of NSW Councils submissions were found to be ‘fit for the future’.

    NSW Councils who were declared ‘unfit’ now have 30 days to respond to the announcement and consider their position. Randwick and Waverley Councils will use this time to work together planning for a seamless transition to a new Council when and if the State Government decides to approve our proposal.

    ENDS

    Media contacts:

    Randwick: Joshua Hay0402 351 459 joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au

    Waverley: Julie Peters 0450 904 942 julie.peters@waverley.nsw.gov.au


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  • IPART publicly exhibiting Randwick & Waverley merger proposal for comment until 31 July 2015

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    The Independent Pricing & Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) has placed Randwick and Waverley Council's merger proposal on public exhibition for comment until 31 July 2015.

    Interested members of the public are encouraged to view and comment direct to IPART.

    IPART is exhibited all proposals received from councils across NSW and is expected to make recommendations to the NSW Government by October 2015.

    LINKS: