Numbering more than 100, they came together on a chilly, drizzly, foggy Saturday morning to show that they are still angry at the process by which they felt they were let down by the NSW Government.

Organised at short notice, townies, farmers, old and young turned up with placards as part of a state-wide protest. They were among eleven council areas across the state to take part in the day of action, aimed at bringing the focus back on to the issue. Similar rallies were held in Cabonne, Gundagai, Oberon, Tumbarumba, Harden, Gloucester, Taree, Forster, Queanbeyan and Bondi.

While they are unhappy with the amalgamation decision, the current focus of their anger is the undemocratic process by which the decision was made. They are also urging residents to register a protest vote in the upcoming Federal election.

Gordon Youman led the protest on the ground in Guyra against what he termed the ‘blatant abuse of the democratic system and most of all an insult’.

“Our elected councillors and community were subjected to stress and pressure that caused division between citizens and councils in the area,” he told the rally. 

“Like other communities we entered the consulting process in good faith and showed respect, but respect was not shown to us in return.”

“We are committed to working with the new council and are not trying to undermine the work that is being done, but that does not diminish our anger at the process,” he said.

“Until council elections are held in September 2017, ratepayers will still be subject to this undemocratic process and will have no real influence in how rates are spent.”

”This will not go away Mr Baird and the ballot box is where our voices will be heard.”