Under the plan, Ben Lomond, Llangothlin and Backwater would fall under Glen Innes Severn Shire Council, rather than an amalgamated Guyra and Armidale Dumaresq Council. Glen Innes Mayor Colin Price yesterday defended the move, saying those communities were more closely associated with Glen Innes.

“This is not a predatory move, rather, we are making ourselves fit for the future,” Cr Price said.

He has held “informal discussions” with Armidale Dumaresq general manager Glenn Wilcox. Discussions have also been held with Guyra Shire Mayor Hans Hietbrink.

Under a local government reform package, councils are required to prepare and submit a proposal by June on how they intend to become “fit for the future”, with financial incentives for those councils that agree to mergers.

Guyra councillors are scheduled to discuss their response on Monday. While no council in the district wants to merge, a possible scenario would be a merger between Uralla, Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra.

Cr Hietbrink said Ben Lomond was part of Guyra Shuire.

 “Should we be forced into an amalgamation with Armidale, I would see the whole of Guyra Shire amalgamating, including Ben Lomond,” Cr Hietbrink said.

Armidale Dumaresq deputy mayor Herman Beyersdorf said: “We need to be satisfied residents in those areas would want to become a part of Glen Innes or a new  New England Council.

“Also, that such a move might not disadvantage any planned enlarged new council.”