BLAYNEY Shire mayor Cr Scott Ferguson says there is no information at present to suggest an amalgamation with neighbouring councils is in the best interest of ratepayers.
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As councils across the state scramble to prove they can operate as a stand alone organisation or investigate possible tie-ups with their neighbours under the NSW Government's Fit for the Future (FFF) reform, Cr Ferguson said he is yet to see any evidence amalgamation would be beneficial for Blayney.
"We haven't had any positive sides put to us at all," Cr Ferguson said.
"There is no information to say it is in the best interest of ratepayers at this point."
Cr Ferguson met with his counterparts from Bathurst, Lithgow and Oberon councils last week to thrash out the FFF reforms, with Bathurst making it clear they intended to stand alone rather then pursue an amalgamation with Oberon as recommended by a review into local government.
"It's important for us to be seen by the government to be talking to our neighbouring councils," Cr Ferguson said of the meeting.
"It was a good opportunity to clearly state where we were in being Fit for the Future."
However, council is yet to decide if they will take up an offer from Orange City Council to hold discussions on a possible merger.
A decision on whether Blayney will accept Orange's invitation is expected next month.
In the meantime, Blayney will have a Wellington, Blayney and Cabonne alliance meeting next week.
March will also see community consultation on the FFF reform ramp-up as council looks to cement their indented future direction but Cr Ferguson is adamant Blayney can continue to fly solo.
"We have a really good case to stand alone," Cr Ferguson said.
"It could be a very decisive issue. We're very aware of that, we've got to get the information to talk to people about.
"We're all very parochial about defending our shire.
"We're held in the highest regard in the sector."