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Public Inquiry into Hawkesbury-Hills merger

An opportunity for residents to have their say about the proposed merger of Hawkesbury City Council with part of The Hills Shire Council is being offered by the Delegate appointed to provide a report to the Minster for Local Government.

The NSW Government has now advertised details of the public inquiry in relation to the proposal to amalgamate the local government areas of Hawkesbury and part of The Hills.

The inquiry will take the form of three public meetings, two at Castle Hill RSL Club (day and evening option) and one at Hawkesbury Race Club (day option):

 Castle Hill RSL Club – Thursday, 4 Feb 2016 from 1pm to 5pm or from 7pm to 10pm, 77 Castle Street, Castle Hill
 Hawkesbury Race Club – Friday, 5 Feb 2016 from 1pm to 5pm, 1 Racecourse Road, Clarendon.

To attend or speak at the meeting you must register prior to Friday, 29 January online at https://www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/hawkesbury-city-and-the-hills-shire-councils/ or by calling 1300 813 020.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury, Councillor Kim Ford said concerned residents, businesses and anyone who may be affected by the proposal merger can attend the public inquiry as long as they register in advance.

“I encourage all local residents, community groups and business organisations that will be affected by this to try to attend one of the public inquiry meetings and also to make a submission through the same website,” Mayor Ford said.

The council merger proposal relating to Hawkesbury City Council and part of The Hills Shire Council is legally required to be examined and reported on under the Local Government Act 1993.

Mr Garry West is the Delegate appointed by the Chief Executive of the Office of Local Government to conduct the public inquiry and report on the merger proposal.

“Mr West’s report will consider financial impacts, communities of interest, elected representation, employment of staff, service and facilities, and the views and responses of residents and ratepayers”, Mayor Ford added.

“This public inquiry is the time to voice your views and find out more about the merger proposal.” Members of the public can also comment on the NSW Government proposal to merge Hawkesbury City Council with part of The Hills Shire Council, through a written submission, until 5pm Sunday, 28 February 2016. Submissions may be made either online at

www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au/proposals/hawkesbury-city-and-the-hills-shire-councils/ or by mail to GPO Box 5341 SYDNEY NSW 2001.

Public submissions will be reviewed by the Delegate and used to inform the examination and reporting process.

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