A former mayor of Wellington has told a community meeting at the Civic Centre the changes council is being forced to make to remain sustainable and 'Fit For The Future' are "the biggest decisions in our living memory".
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Campbell Gregory suggested the small-to-medium-size council was facing an uphill battle to remain independent.
But at times it appeared many people didn't really know what the changes would mean.
The meeting, chaired by consultants Morrison and Low, who soon will also work with Orange and Cabonne Councils (see page 8) said Wellington Council could soon be in surplus, but in order to do that major changes would have to be made.
They told the meeting doing nothing was not an option.
At the meeting, Wellington mayor Cr Rod Buhr said the community wanted its own representation and control over its own destiny, but the ratepayers and residents had to engage, so councillors could complete a submission to the state government by June 30.
The consultants said Wellington Council could meet six of the seven financial benchmarks when it submitted a 'standalone' proposal to the state government, but also, if it merged with Dubbo and possibly Narromine, the merger would only fit four of the seven benchmarks.
The merger is the proposed option by the state government's local government review.
The $1.6 million it saves from the 12 changes it proposes will be put back into infrastructure and assets.
The meeting was told if the changes were not agreed to by the community it might have to raise rates in order to be financially worthy.
Local surveyor Eric Smith said he was concerned about the off-loading of tourism and economic development, suggesting it could be a source of revenue.
"You are cutting back on a position which has a source of income," he told the meeting.
Another long time local Pat Bourke blamed a series of councils which had dropped the ball. Mr Bourke suggested the council was telling the community the major changes would happen and anything they said would come to nothing.
Council general manager Karen Roberts said "this council will listen" offering the community the chance to give feedback.
It was suggested privatising the works depot would bring in much-needed money to the council.
Technical services director Stan Robb said the option had been considered.
"Part of the proposal is for a structural review, that proposal is on the table," he said.
It was understood this option wouldn't happen as it affected 60 people.
Local Dorothy Blake said the changes to the arts, the aged, tourism and more was all about less.
"What we the ratepayers don't seem to have is a lot. We're going to get less actually," she said indicating the changes were all about less bang for the community's buck.
Police Aboriginal liaison officer Zeke Shaw said the Indigenous community was concerned about cutbacks. An Indigenous woman went further.
"This town is going down the gurgler. I am concerned about Wellington," she said citing engagement by council with Indigenous community amounted to nothing.
Another woman who has only recently moved to Wellington said the deteriorating infrastructure at the Japanese Gardens, caves and below the swinging bridge in Cameron Park were proof that even if changes were met, council still had not kept the infrastructure up to date.
"It's all appalling," she said.
Kate Austin said the future was dire blaming other councils for the position the town was in now.
"I am really scared about the future. Lots of families will pack up and move. It's RIP Wellington," she said.
Councillor Buhr said the ever changing economic world was hitting all tiers of government. He said employment in the town was a major concern adding the process could lead to further reductions in staff.
"We do have a vision but the economy is going through a massive cycle of changes. But we have to forget lost opportunities, we have to unshackle ourselves from the past," he said.
