The Inner West votes to Deamalgamate

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On December 4, the Inner West Council put a Poll question to the electorate alongside the election of new councillors. Though the vote is not binding on council the result was a clear message.

The Poll Question: In May 2016, Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils were amalgamated into one local government area by the State Government. Do you support the Inner West local government area being de-amalgamated, so as to restore the former local government areas of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville?



Voter Turnout: 80.73% Informal Rate: 2.55%

Results are available at https://vtr.elections.nsw.gov.au/LG2101/inner-west/results

A cost benefit analysis was prepared and a yes and no case were distributed to every voter and translated into various languages.

From Council Website:

At the election, Inner West citizens will also be asked:

“In May 2016, Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils were amalgamated into one local government area by the State Government.

Do you support the Inner West local government area being de-amalgamated, so as to restore the former local government areas of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville?”

On 8 June 2021, Council resolved to conduct the poll. The new elected Council will receive the results and determine how to proceed.

Inner West Council commissioned Morrison Low to undertake a high-level cost benefit assessment case, to identify the benefits and costs of a potential de-amalgamation of the Inner West Council into its former councils of Ashfield Council, Leichhardt Council and Marrickville Council.

Cost benefit report

Letter from NSW Coordinator General, Planning Delivery and Local Government

Translated information in community languages

 Source: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/about/the-council/council-elections


Yes and No votes at each polling place including iVotes and Postal
 

 


Background

The amalgamation has been expensive and hasn't worked. https://www.governmentnews.com.au/research-reveals-true-cost-of-amalgamation/
 
May 2019: Workforce reform in three amalgamated councils https://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/workforce-reform-in-three-amalgamated-councils

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