Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has released a statement regarding the Boundaries Commission report.
The member stated, “The NSW Government has received the Local Government Boundaries Commission report on the proposed demerger of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council. As the local Member, I fought hard for the merged council to be reviewed by the Commission.
I recognise the depth of emotion and practical challenges associated with this council, and I have made the concerns of the community known to the highest level of government.
I welcome the report from the Commission, thank those who have engaged in this crucial process and look forward to the NSW Government’s response in due course.”
Cooke is on the record for stating that she would cross the floor of parliament if necessary for her constituents meaning that if the Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman does not demerge CGRC, Cooke would feel obligated to carry out and act upon the statement made during the 2017 election campaign.
This would mean that she would have to draft legislation herself, supporting Coota and Gundagai or support a Labor motion regarding the CGRC demerger.