Just a day after Premier Mike Baird announced his retirement from politics, Deputy Premier and Nationals Leader John Barilaro sensationally withdrew his party’s support for the local government policy.

“The policy of local government amalgamations has impacted 20 councils, 12 of which are in regional NSW causing uncertainty and anger, and others are locked in costly legal action – that all stops today,” Mr Barilaro said.

And the consensus is firm in Glen Innes.

Local resident Joe Sparks said he could see the advantages of amalgamating for government but not for the locals.

“I’m basically against it because if Glen Innes isn’t a central part of it …  centralisation is usually bad for those on the outskirts,” he said.

“If we were going to be the central part of the council shire it might be OK.

“If we had to have forced amalgamations maybe Glen should be the beast that swallows up surrounding areas.”

Frances Cheshire said it was a bad idea because the areas for one council to cover would be far too great.

Graham Ward said amalgamations don’t work in any circumstances. 

“I worked on the council for years at Taree and for a whole year they thought they were getting Tuncurry so they pumped all this money into Tuncurry and it went to Strauss,” he said.

“They wasted millions and when you get amalgamated the other towns take it off you.”

Patricia Stone said it was definitely a bad idea.

“I think Glen Innes is all right on its own,” Ms Stone said.

“We’re doing a good job and we don’t need any help from anyone.”

The Nationals have denied there is a rift in the ranks of the Coalition after they distanced themselves from the controversial forced council amalgamations agenda.

Meanwhile, Barilaro’s statement is music to the ears of Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall who was outspoken against the forced merger of councils across his electorate.

“I’m absolutely delighted to see our new leader take that position. It’s a position that many communities feel very strong about and have for some time,” he said.

“I campaigned against forced mergers; we won a few battles and lost one sadly.”

Across the New England, Walcha staved off amalgamation with Tamworth to remain stand alone – so too Uralla.

But Guyra and Armidale Dumaresq were forcibly joined, despite community outrage from local Guyra residents.