With a recent report a local property developer, along with other businessmen and women, are within two months of making an application to the Local Government Commission seeking the amalgamation of the Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council now is the time for a robust debate on this issue.

It would be interesting to know the actual makeup of the lobby group and what its real motive is?

We're aware the group spokesperson, Paul Adams, is a substantial property developer and has had a number of issues with both councils in the past.

The Government already stated it would make it easier for communities to combine.
But it also said this would only be done with support of affected parties – that's residents and ratepayers who reside in the areas under consideration.

It's now time for the community to stand up and be counted because if submissions are made soon, and there's little opposition, you can guarantee it will happen. The Local Government Commission has the power to make it happen.

Prior to thinking of amalgamation we should ask ourselves would amalgamation benefit everyone or would some be significantly better off at the expense of others?
It should also be recognised one community is urban (Tauranga City Council) and the other is predominantly rural (Western Bay of Plenty District Council) so what issues would amalgamation cause?

There's questions over rates, which are currently higher in Western Bay of Plenty District Counci and it also faces more issues with roading, water, sewerage and stormwater. So what would be the effect on both of the communities?

Change will occur during time but it must be beneficial and affected communities must be involved in debate and the ultimate decision.

Stand up now and be counted, or suffer the consequences.

Mike Baker, Bethlehem.