1970: Dividing the Sutherland Shire

Source: Anon. 1970. "Residents Seek Shire Split-Up". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, October 14: 1 & 22.

Residents of the Sutherland Shire take pride in where they live. They love to boast about living in "God's Country" and "The Shire".

One element that has helped shape its identity is its council - Sutherland Shire Council, established in 1906. At its founding, the region was home to 1500 people.

According to the 2021 Census, approximately 230,000 reside in the region.

Fifty years ago, the population of the Sutherland Shire was around 153,000 and was booming as residential estates were built in suburbs across the region, particularly in Engadine, Heathcote, Bonnet Bay, Kareela and Sylvania Waters. 

A group of residents felt it was time for the region to be divided into two local government areas, but why?

• The Sutherland Shire was no longer a "shire", a title conferred to local government areas in rural areas.
• Population Growth - The post-war boom increased from around 18,000 in 1939 to over 153,000 by 1970.
• Geographic Size of the region - It was felt that the region's large size and geographic spread meant that councillors could not understand issues affecting all areas of the Sutherland Shire.
• Deterioration of Cronulla Beaches
• Neglect of Kurnell
• Council workers having to travel long distances from Sutherland to complete jobs across the region.

Which Suburbs would be in Cook Council?

It was to be based on the borders of the Federal Electorate of Cook as it was at the time and comprised of the following suburbs:

• Burraneer
• Caringbah
• Caringbah South
• Cronulla
• Dolans Bay
• Greenhills Beach (future suburb)
• Lilli Pilli
• Kangaroo Point
• Kurnell
• Miranda
• Port Hacking
• Sylvania
• Sylvania Waters
• Taren Point
• Woolooware
• Yowie Bay

Had the council become a reality, there would be an estimated 89,000 residents based on 2021 Census Data. The remainder of the Sutherland Shire would have around 137,000 residents. 

Sutherland Council Reacts

Shire President Arthur Gietzelt opposed the idea, concerned that it would lead to a doubling of rates for ratepayers across the two councils, duplication of facilities and services, and increased costs in hiring officials, referring to council administrators and managers. It also doubted whether ratepayers could fund projects benefiting locals, such as the Sutherland Civic Centre (completed 1976). Simply Gietzelt felt one large council would be more efficient and better able to provide service for its residents.

What if it became a reality? Would Cook Council still be in existence in 2025?

In 2016, the NSW Government forced a number of Sydney councils to merge. The majority of mergers proceeded. Both Sutherland and Cook Councils would have been forced to merge to reestablish the council on the original (or, as we see it today, current boundaries), citing the creation of the Northern Beaches LGA. According to the 2021 census, it has a population of over 260,000, comprising the former Manly, Warringah and Pittwater Council areas.