AFTER such a hard-fought battle, the end of the Bathurst-Oberon merger saga was an anti-climax.
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A media release from the office of Nationals leader John Barilaro signalled the end of his party’s support for the forced amalgamations policy – though it still took some calls to confirm that was the case.
In fact, the mayors of both Bathurst and Oberon councils – two of the councils directly impacted by Mr Barilaro’s announcement – were both less than certain that the saga was over at all.
Understandably, both had expected to receive something more official than a media release to confirm what was very significant news, but that was not forthcoming.
But perhaps the last-gasp confusion was a fitting finale for what has been something of a debacle from day one.
The state government did itself no favours from the start by taking a hotch-potch approach to amalgamations – forcing them on unwilling councils like Oberon and Cabonne while allowing tiny councils like Weddin and Walcha and basket cases like Lithgow to stand alone. That made no sense at all and only stiffened the determination of those small communities that felt dudded by the process.
Mr Barilaro’s shock announcement was also a brutal way to end Paul Toole’s term as local government minister, rendering his position untenable.
Mr Toole brought a unique perspective to the role having been through a council merger himself and remains a firm believer that fewer councils is the way forward.
He must now wait for a cabinet reshuffle over the next week or so to learn if he will get a shot at another portfolio.
He remains one of the bright young talents of the NSW Nationals and deserves better treatment than he has received from his political masters in recent days.
Meantime, it will be business as usual for Bathurst Regional Council come Monday morning. Bathurst had never sought a merger with Oberon but councillors took the position that they would abide by the state government’s decision.
Friday’s announcement is neither a win nor a loss for Bathurst, but does bring welcome surety about the future.
It will be a much different feel in Oberon, though, where the local councillors and a hardy committee fought a determined – if costly – battle to overturn the planned merger. They won the war and now must pay for their peace.