That was the upbeat perspective that Willoughby Mayor Gail Giles-Gidney presented to the Chinese New Year lunch of Chatswood Chamber of Commerce on February 16.
Clr Giles-Gidney said that Willoughby had preferred to stand alone, made clear in its Fit for the Future submission to the State Government.
“We felt we could stand alone with our projected population of 74,000. It was no surprise that we were deemed not fit for the future, but we were concerned that we could be part of a six-council amalgamation, so we knocked on doors in the community for support.
“We are pleased we have been put with North Sydney, bringing in their population of 71,000. The two areas are very similar - it is more like a merger than a takeover.”
Clr Giles-Gidney said the outcome was good for residents and businesses.
“It’s great for businesses because the merger will take in North Sydney, Chatswood and bring St Leonards under one council, instead of being under three councils as it is now. That will be three major CBDs in one council,” she said.
Chatswood Chamber president Stig Falster praised the mayor’s “positive attitude” to the inevitable council merger.
“With the planned merger, we are getting the best outcome and I congratulate council for that,” he said.
The lunch, held in Fook Yuen restaurant in Chatswood, attracted many established and new members to celebrate the Year of the Monkey.
