"I support my local councils' position in their Fit for the Future proposals," Mr Grant said.

"It is incumbent on them to meet the criteria to be Fit for the Future, to ensure they are sustainable, have a capacity to improve services, put downward pressure on rates and have better infrastructure."

Councillor Allan Smith has been vocal about his desire to have Dubbo remain as a stand alone council and said amalgamating would be a possible loss of democracy.

"Is there any economic benefit? The answer's no, where's the economic benefit if Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine come together?" he said.

"Any economic drivers that are in this valley are still going to be there whether we amalgamate or not.

"Where's the social benefit? There wouldn't be any social benefit other than the social benefit that currently works quite well with the communities the way they are.

"Would there be a possible loss of democracy, especially in the smaller communities? And the answer is yes.

Cr Smith said if there was an amalgamation, the majority of people who sat on council would be from Dubbo.

However, Mr Grant said Fit for the Future was about more than just mergers.

"I'm disappointed that the Fit for the Future commentary focus has only been on mergers and boundary adjustments which formed only eight of the 65 recommendations," he said.

"Fit for the Future is a record investment by the state government into local government of up to $1 billion to modernise and reform local government to strengthen communities and the services they receive.

"It is about ensuring we have a stronger local government sector in this state."

Cr Smith said it was important people came forward to share their thought on Fit for the Future and the council's amalgamating.

"It is one of those things that will shape the city into the future. If we stand alone we will hopefully continue to grow, prosper and improve the workings we have done in relation to fit for the future," he said.

"If we were amalgamated the shape of our city would be different, our directions would be different, the outcomes for this city would be completely different and the energies which would be directed here for our city would be more spread."