AMALGAMATION: 20 JANUARY 2017

UPDATE: Paul Toole confirms council mergers will not go ahead

By SEAN NICHOLLS and MURRAY NICHOLS

LOCAL Government Minister Paul Toole has confirmed a proposed council mergers will not go ahead.

Mr Toole confirmed the mergers – including the union of Cabonne, Orange and Blayney councils — were in tatters after Nationals leader John Barilaro issued a strongly worded press release today (Friday 20 January) withdrawing his party’s support for the policy.

Mr Toole, who is unlikely to remain as local government minister following a cabinet reshuffle after a new Liberal Party leader is elected next week, said he expected regional voters to go to the polls in September to elect new councils.

Based on article published on Central Western Daily's website (http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au)