MULTIMILLION-dollar sweeteners from the NSW government have failed to sway local councils from a strong stance against mergers with neighbours.
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The government this week offered councils up to $13.5 million each for merging.
It was part of a wider package of funding.
It wants to see amalgamations because more than a third of councils face financial problems.
An option would be for forced mergers.
Under former Premier Barry O'Farrell, government policy was it would not force mergers.
Premier Mike Baird has not said clearly whether he would change the policy if councils did not take his offer.
The carrot and stick approach?
Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine strongly oppose any merger and were relieved to escape a forced change.
But, government could still use the stick.
Narromine and Wellington believe they can overcome any financial issues and survive on their own.
It is hard to see benefits in any merger for Dubbo, which has several money-saving ideas for resource sharing and co-operation.
Smaller towns and their ratepayers would fear reduced services and priority for their areas in a forced marriage with a bigger centre.
Would they effectively disappear?
Would Dubbo rates go to prop up the neighbours and could service levels be maintained?
Local governments, whatever their problems and challenges, represent democracy at the grassroots level.
Before force is applied, the public should be given a say.