THERE were few surprises in the NSW government's statements on the report on the financial fitness of local councils - they were all about merge, merge, merge.
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That is what most councils and many communities were expecting. Council mergers have been firmly on the government's agenda and it stepped up the spin and rhetoric to push its case throughout this year.
Government had the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) assess viability submissions from 144 councils. Its report released on Tuesday judged only 52 as fit for the future.
Who set the assessment criteria? The government. IPART's methodology was previously attacked.
A cynic might say the deck was stacked.
The government said on?Tuesday mergers could free up nearly $2 billion across 20 years which could stabilise council rates and fund better services and infrastructure.
But, wait there was more.
Government cash is available in serious millions for infrastructure for new councils (read merged) and to ensure ratepayers do not pay up-front merger costs.
A pretty big carrot, but the government has offered cash for mergers before.
Dubbo was deemed fit. Wellington and Narromine failed the test. Who will they merge with?
The original plan to merge the three was rejected by the councils. Could a merger still be forced?
Dubbo would not want the bills. The other two want to stand alone.
All councils have 30 days to respond to the report.
Watch out for fierce answers.
