However, the residents and ratepayers of the previously amalgamated shires of Nundle, Parry, Manilla and Barraba need to be heard.

They have the knowledge based on personal experiences as to what has been the reality of the situation.

Therefore, it is very important they inform TRC and the people of Walcha Council as to what their experience has been over many years.

Further, in the absence of election wards and the community development committees that have been disbanded, the people in these previously amalgamated areas have found themselves without a voice.

There is no doubt the present TRC would benefit from the merger, receiving $10 million towards the merger cost and $15 million towards infrastructure costs.

The general manager of the expanded area would also require an additional increase in salary due to the merger.

With the area size increasing from 9884sqkm to 16,146sqkm, it is going to be difficult for staff in the centre of this large area to really know what is going on in outlying centres.

With the extra pressure on resources, it seems highly likely that our existing smaller communities will suffer even more than they do now.

It seems strange why a merger between TRC and Walcha Council is being proposed, when the original IPART Fit for the Future assessment recommended a merger between Walcha and Uralla.

Now, with this proposed merger, Uralla has been left standing alone.

The people of Perth have suffered a similar process and fought back, resulting in the mergers being put on hold for an indefinite period.

This is a perfect example of what can be achieved when like-minded people support each other.

The residents and ratepayers’ group feels it is very important that the people of Walcha Council clearly understand what their future will hold for them, should this proposed amalgamation proceed.

Remember, there are various ways of sending the NSW government our thoughts on this merger – the public meetings in either Tamworth or Walcha, or sending a submission.