Following Wednesday night’s extraordinary council meeting to discuss the next move in current reforms, Deputy Mayor Bob Kirk was keen to make a point.

NSW started out with 324 councils in 1910. By 1982 this was whittled down to 175 and by 2008, it stood at 152.

The controversial 2004 mergers reduced the number of rural and regional councils from 40 to 21, according to the NSW Local Government Department.

Government advertising to justify the latest proposed cuts constantly states that “the current borders are not working.” 

Cr Kirk found this highly ironic given the State has decided council boundaries and numbers all along.

If the government is frustrated, it can only blame a long history of political interference in the process.

Such intervention has played another strong hand in the current reforms, though many have denied it.

Those who trusted the process outlined by Premier Mike Baird, were mostly let down in the end.

Mayor Geoff Kettle put it bluntly: “We were shat upon,” he told the Post. Even mayors supportive of reform were “screwed,” he said.

But really, did they expect anything less, given this background? 

Neighbouring councils who wanted to be left alone achieved just that.

Despite their protestations, they have lobbied their MPs on behalf of their residents who sent a strong message in public meetings and other forums.

Goulburn Mulwaree pursued reform because the Mayor and general manager were ‘true believers.’ Councillors supported them because they believed the State was giving them no choice.

When it couldn’t strike a deal with neighbours, the council’s first preference was to stand alone. Amalgamation came second.

It took little notice of those at a public meeting who wanted the status quo. “Tell the State to get stuffed!” people said.

Granted, the community turnout to this forum was hardly overwhelming. Nevertheless, the message was there.

Goulburn Mulwaree’s fatal failure was not to lobby MPs for the best outcome, as their neighbours had done.

It was either naivety or refusal to budge on a pre-set course. Several councillors, including Margaret O’Neill, have now changed their mind. 

Cr O’Neill said Council had to represent the ratepayers, and they weren’t happy.

Council is paying the price for its earlier eagerness. A merger with part of Palerang was far from the desired outcome.

Only now is it seeking “urgent meetings” with politicians to make the best of a bad situation.

A history lesson would have taught them that lobbying is not a dirty word after all.