Last week, Randwick Council made an historic decision to merge with our neighbouring councils Waverley and Botany Bay.

This was a very difficult decision for us, but one which a majority of my fellow Councillors agree is the best option for our council, residents and ratepayers.

Clearly, if it was up to us, all 15 Councillors would vote to stand alone. Randwick is one of the state's leading councils - our finances and asset management are strong, our community is extremely satisfied with our services and our managerial and political leadership is very effective.

However, as you're probably aware, the State Government is pushing ahead with its Fit for the Future reform program and wants to see bigger councils across Sydney. Their default position is a mega global city council of more than 500,000 residents comprising Randwick, Sydney, Waverley, Botany and Woollahra.

If we do nothing, or propose to stand alone – the Government will proceed with its plan. We'll become a "suburban outpost" of a global city council based at Town Hall. One that would no doubt see high-rise engulf our city and our sense of community completely lost.

We don't want this to happen. We want to keep local representation and I know this is what most residents want too.

By proposing a credible alternative to the global city we are controlling our destiny and protecting our unique eastern beaches identity.

There's still a lot of work to do and we need to wait for the NSW Government to announce their final decision later this year.

I will continue to keep you informed about this important issue and I encourage you to visit our website for more detailed information about this process. 

Councillor Ted Seng