Mayor slams Darling supporters

SHELLHARBOUR mayor, David Hamilton has lashed out at community activists on the issue of council amalgamation.

Cr Hamilton said he was astounded that those who had previously accused him of supporting amalgamation had thrown their support behind candidate for Shellharbour, Alex Darling in the recent election.

"The hypocrisy of these so-called activists, namely Mr Gooden, Mr Parsons, Mr Chalker and Mr Kalokerinos leaves me at a loss," he said.

"On the one hand they attack me, claiming incorrectly that I support the move for amalgamation, then they support Alex Darling, whose campaign team openly stated that they are pro-amalgamation of Illawarra councils."

"I categorically state that I vehemently oppose any moves to amalgamate."

Cr Hamilton said the activists in question and also four Independent councillors had made "erroneous statements" about him "to suit their own political purposes."

Cr Hamilton said independent councillors' support for Alex Darling was based on his being an independent candidate.

"It's interesting that they conveniently forget that his campaign team is in favour of amalgamation," he said.

"I simply cannot fathom their thinking on this issue," he said.

Save Lake Illawarra Action Group (SLIAG) representative, Bob Parsons said he had previously been concerned about Labor's stance on amalgamation and had voiced his concerns to Cr Hamilton at a protest on the steps of Shellharbour Council in March, 2004.

"My support for Alex Darling in the recent election, however, was nothing to do with amalgamation.

"It was based on his promise to fight for more funding for work on Lake Illawarra, which is my concern," he said.

"We do not support amalgamation and see it as unbeneficial." Mr Darling said amalgamation had never been on his agenda.

"Neither would my campaign team state support for amalgamation on my authority," he said.

"I don't know where Cr Hamilton is getting his information from.

"Amalgamation would be a State Government decision and it is not on the agenda at State level either."

Independent Councillor, Charlie Mifsud said he verified Cr Hamilton's views on amalgamation.

"Cr Hamilton has stated in the past that he opposes amalgamation and I believe that," he said.

"As far as local activists are concerned, I believe that as ratepayers they have the right to voice their opinions.

" I am very concerned about the amalgamation issue."

"Some independent councillors supported Mr Darling because of his stance as an independent.

"We would never have backed him if he supported amalgamation."