FROM being attacked by angry protesters to achieving “significant wins” for the region, the task of overseeing the forced merger of Inner West Council has involved its fair share of highs and lows.

In council administrator Richard Pearson’s final days on the job ahead of next week’s election, he has released a frank report card on the progress to date while asking the question: “has it all been worth it?”

The benefits, he said, have included clearing a $4.8 million deficit, saving ratepayers $2.5 million and gaining a stronger voice to challenge the State Government over projects including WestConnex.

But he admits the process hasn’t all been “smooth sailing” including his first days on the job when he was spat on by a protester at the council’s inaugural meeting.

“I won’t call it post-traumatic stress but after that first council meeting I didn’t necessarily look forward to council meetings for quite a while,” Mr Pearson said.

“There’s no doubt the amalgamation program has been tumultuous in the inner west and after this episode I don’t think there’ll be another merger in NSW for at least a decade.

“In many respects my job has involved trying to take the political heat to enable the staff to get on with organisational side of running the council.”

Since taking the reins in May last year, the job has also involved regular meetings with councillors who were sacked in the process – many have been vocal critics of the merger.

Behind the scenes, the amalgamation has involved co-locating staff between former council buildings, integrating computer systems and reducing the number of executive staff from 14 to four.

Mr Pearson said the larger council had been able to get “better results” from the State Government on plans including transport options for the Parramatta Rd strategy and a compliance officer to oversee WestConnex.

Other benefits, he said, have included a record $68.8 million spent on infrastructure and setting 15 per cent affordable housing targets in major developments.

But looking back on the process, he said the State Government’s “selling point” on the process had been “flawed” and “overemphasised the financial savings”.

“There had to be other outcomes and I think the main benefit is using that bigger voice to get better results for the local area,” he said.

With elections 10 days away, Mr Pearson’s message to councillors was to “think beyond former boundaries of Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville”.

“The Sydenham to Bankstown strategy, the Bays Precinct and WestConnex will all be moving ahead and it’s a time when the council will need to be strategic,” he said.

“I think the real test moving ahead will be if we’re being treated as a regional government and getting better results for the 187,000 residents in the council area.”