The voice of a passionate former Greater Taree mayor Paul Hogan was shaking as he addressed the MidCoast Council meeting on Wednesday before administrator John Turner and interim general manager Glenn Handford.

“I’ve come here today because of the love and concern I have for the people in the Manning Valley.

“I was a democratically and popularly elected mayor for eight years.”

He said the State government’s decision to sack all democratically elected mayors and councillors and give that role to an administrator and general manager was a “takeover of democracy”.

Mr Hogan also predicts the amalgamation will affect ratepayers in “real financial terms” for many years to come.

The dismissal of Ron Posselt from his role as interim deputy general manager of MidCoast Council, and the fact former Gloucester mayor John Rosenbaum and former Greater Taree deputy mayor Alan Tickle were both overlooked for roles on the two new council appointed committees, was also raised.

“I was not even given the courtesy of being asked to be on the advisory group. I’ve supported you (John), I even attended your farewell, and I get treated like this!”

Chris Sheed described the merger as a “coup”.

“I’ve been disgusted by the sacking of our elected representatives,” he said. 

He believes Mr Turner’s connection to the mining industry creates conflict of interest, particularly with the Rocky Hill Mine project proposed for Gloucester.

Cathy Posselt spoke of her husband’s dismissal from his position as interim deputy general manager of the MidCoast Council, his treatment and the circumstances.

She also raised suspicions that Glenn Handford, formerly the general manager of Great Lakes Council, was aware that the councils would merge and that he would be appointed interim general manager prior to the State government’s announcement of the proclamation on May 12.