The 10 councillors unanimously voted to terminate Mr Riley’s contract on Monday night. The approved recommendations of the mayoral minute said it was by mutual agreement that Mr Riley was leaving, due to personal reasons.

However, residents of the Dubbo local government area have been left wanting more information.

There were a range of views expressed on the Daily Liberal Facebook page, however, a large number of people raised questions they wanted councillors to answer.

Rebecca Louise said the public felt they deserved answers and therefore it was up to the elected representatives to provide them

“I think it is extremely important that both the councillors and the public move on from this issue and don’t get caught up in it, no one wants to see another DCC. However, it is going to be much easier for everyone involved to move on if the public is given answers to the questions surrounding what is happening,” she said.

“As for the media’s reporting being damaging to council as an organization, no it’s not the media that is damaging, its elements such as all councillors not being consulted on major decisions creating a fractured council that is damaging.”

Simon Hartas said: “Why should the payout be a secret considering the ratepayers are the ones paying it?”

Another commentor, Bob Lloyd, said: “And this is good for Dubbo, how? What did the GM do that was so bad to get his contract terminated?”

It was a simple question Karen Parker wanted answered: “what exactly are the facts?”

Dale Albus Elliott had questions about Michael McMahon, a general manager from Sydney who will lead the council until a replacement is hired by Local Government NSW.

“Why so far away?, how much will this cost us? why couldn't a local one be found?” he said.

On Tuesday, mayor Ben Shields said he would end his silence on the matter.

“There’s more to it than people just shooting their mouths off, and there will be a more detailed response in coming days,” he said.

By Wednesday afternoon a release had not been sent out.

After hearing the news about Mr Riley’s termination earlier in the week, Dubbo MP Troy Grant said shocked was an understatement.

People would have questions, he said.

“Everyone is just asking ‘why?’ I guess. What are the justifications for the GM no longer being there after a short time?” he said.

“I think seven of the councillors have never worked with the GM before. It’s only a short period of time to make a judgement of such significance. So I hope there’s reason and justification for the decision and hopefully that will get explained to everyone.”