Shire thinks changes overstep the boundary
Residents of the Coolamon Shire, in southern NSW, have overwhelmingly rejected boundary changes, endorsing the current local government structure at a series of public meetings.
A total of 250 people turned out in Coolamon last night, and there were 150 in Ganmain and 80 at Ardlethan at earlier meetings.
The man who chaired the meetings, Bill Thompson, says the community has resolved to bombard politicians with letters and if neccessary fight any changes in court.
"Why should people be rushed? Why should the Government be taking advantage of legislation which says that they can do boundary changes, minor boundary changes without public consultation?" he said.
"So there's obviously a potential challenge there if they're using legislation on minor boundary changes to do major boundary changes."
Earlier this week at a public meeting in Harden, about 300 people showed their support for the current boundaries of the Harden Shire.