Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council advances demerger plans

The Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) is progressing with plans to reverse its merger by reinstating the former Cootamundra Shire and Gundagai Shire names and logos. As part of the transition, councillors have recommended a structure consisting of seven councillors for Cootamundra and five for Gundagai, with no wards and mayors chosen from among elected members.

To facilitate the split, the council has reached agreements on dividing cash reserves and has begun recruiting general managers for the two new entities, with a target start date no later than April 30, 2027. Current councillors will serve as administrators until elections, which are currently scheduled for September 2028.

Neighboring Snowy Valleys Council is also involved in the regional demerger process and is currently seeking state assistance to cover an estimated $5 million separation cost. The CGRC aims to submit its full transition plan by a December deadline to allow the NSW Office of Local Government to prepare the necessary proclamations.