Dubbo mayor Mathew Dickerson says he felt Premier Mike Baird was avoiding talking about council amalgamations during his visit to the city at the weekend.
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With the pair attending the same exhibition opening, Cr Dickerson sought to tell the premier of "community angst" about a state government proposal to merge Dubbo and Wellington councils.
The city's leader, who last week warned that the lifestyle enjoyed by Dubbo residents was at risk if the merger went ahead, said he told Mr Baird of his wish to talk but no discussion happened.
In a statement on Sunday Mr Baird said the Boundaries Commission provided an opportunity for people to comment and he looked "forward to the mayor using this process to have his say".
Two days after more than 400 people attended three public inquiry sessions at Wellington and Dubbo, the Premier was at Dubbo to attend the official opening of the Pen to Power: Map Your Mind to Recovery exhibition at the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
Cr Dickerson said he approached Mr Baird, who in the past he had found to be "very approachable", and asked for time to talk during the visit.
The mayor said the premier had said "OK" but despite a reminder he did not see the premier again.
"I think he's feeling under pressure," Cr Dickerson said on Sunday.
"I've never found he's avoided me before, but I had the feeling yesterday he certainly was avoiding having a discussion about amalgamation, which is unusual for Mike because usually I find him very approachable and willing to talk about any topic."
Cr Dickerson also said he found it "unusual" that there had been a lack of attendance at the public inquiry meetings held across the state by local MPs from the Coalition, especially local government minister Paul Toole.
"It's an arrogant attitude to say I don't need to attend," he said.
"Paul Toole, I would have thought he would try to get to the public meetings, or Mike Baird.
"I understand Paul Toole hasn't been to any of the meetings.
"This is the biggest issue Dubbo has faced since 1980.
"It's a big issue for the state government.
"I would think they would want to have as many discussions as possible to get it right, because it's a lot of work to undo it."
The Daily Liberal sought a response from both Mr Baird and Mr Toole and received a statement from Mr Baird.
"The government has been consulting extensively for several years on its plans to make councils more effective and sustainable, and will continue to do so," he said.
"The Boundaries Commission provides an opportunity for all stakeholders, the community and councillors to have their say.
"I look forward to the mayor using this process to have his say."