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KIAMA MP Gareth Ward is ready to roll up his sleeves and go into battle against his own party and its proposed merger between Shoalhaven and Kiama councils.
“I will fight against my own party to see this doesn’t happen,” he said.
“At this stage it is only a recommendation and I encourage the community to come forward with their views on this matter.
“I have long voiced my opposition to merging because I believe both councils can stand alone based on the Fit for the Future criteria.
“I don’t see what the benefits of a merger would be. I represent both areas and they are two very different communities.
“This was not recommended by the independent panel.
“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and go into battle.”
- Kiama MP Gareth Ward
“Kiama and Shellharbour both met the scale capacity. The financial sustainability was questioned and that has been addressed and is ready to be presented into evidence and we should listen to that.
“There are quite dispassionate and intelligible reasons why this won’t work.”
He said he could understand Kiama residents being upset with the proposal.
“I’m upset,” he said.
“It’s not the proposal I asked for and I’m here to represent the community’s views as I always have done.
“I will present the community’s views to the Boundary Commission. My position on this issue has long been known. I’m against it and I will continue to advocate that view.”
He said it wouldn’t be the first time he had taken on his own party.
“And I’m sure it won’t be the last,” he said.
“I may have a fight on my hands but I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and go into battle.”