A Promising first meeting with Minister Hoenig
On 19 March 2025 our committee members Simon Dunn and Peter Gray met with the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP (Minister for Local Government) to present the case for reinstating Pittwater Council.
Supported by local State representative Jacqui Scruby, Simon and Peter presented Protect Pittwater’s proposal, including a local petition signed by close to 5,000 local residents and Frank Peylaire’s business case.
It was an agreeable meeting whereby Minister Hoenig acknowledged that the 2016 amalgamations were largely a failure, and that large councils over time become inefficient. His position is that if Protect Pittwater’s proposal meets the requirements of State LGA Legislation s215 then he will refer it to the NSW Boundaries Commission.
His staff referred us to two current detailed LGA reinstatement implementation submissions to the Boundaries Commission, and suggested that something similar would be required for a s215 proposal.
We await the Minister’s office assessment of our formal proposal and, given it meets technical standards, expect that he will request a Pittwater implementation plan.
The Minister indicated he was not in favour of NSW grant funds being made available for council transitions. He further commented that the Boundaries Commission would expect the required reports and implementation plans to be drafted and funded by the community backing the new council.
Overall, however, a very positive meeting which progressed our mission.
Protect Pittwater thank Jacqui Scruby MLA for her continuing support.
