This morning the State Government announced it is planning to amalgamate Willoughby and North Sydney Councils.

Previously, Willoughby had voted to merge but North Sydney is stringently opposed and threatening legal action.

It appears that amalgamation will proceed via way of a Boundaries Commission Inquiry. This provides for further public submissions on the proposed merger.

The Government is hoping that the process will be completed in time for new elections in September 2016. However, if more time is needed, elections could be deferred intil March 2017.