Orange City Council to wait on Minister’s next step on mergers

Orange mayor John Davis believes today’s Land and Environment court decision signals the next step in the proposed merger process.

Justice Brian Preston, the chief judge of the Land and Environment court, today announced his decision on a legal action by Oberon, Cabonne and Gundagai councils.

The court dismissed the legal action and awarded the NSW Government’s costs against the objecting councils.

“The councils still have the option of appealing this decision, so the ball is now in the minister’s court to consider the timing of the next step,” Cr John Davis said.

“Orange City Council has consistently taken the approach of wanting to remain a stand-alone council, but if the government wanted to proceed with the proposed merger, we wanted to get the best result for all residents by being a constructive part of the process.”

“We’re at a stage now where some are still opposed to mergers and some just want to get on with it.

"All we can do now is wait to see what the government does next.”

Oberon Council said it had until Friday October 14 to decide on whether to appeal the decision.