Guyra resident Rob Lenehan, who led the charge on a statewide petition to disband the merger, called the decision devastating.

“The state government is obviously going to plough ahead with this and not care what people in regional areas want,” he said.

“It’s very disappointing news for the Guyra community but we will still be putting the pressure on the government to back off.”

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall has pulled his support for the petition saying he wholeheartedly supports cabinet’s decision.

“I’m really pleased because this decision gives every council in every community certainty about the future,” he said.

“It not only sets out very clearly what the decision is for Armidale Regional Council but also for Uralla Shire and Walcha Shire.

“It means that the axe that’s been hovering above their head with the merger proposal has now been removed.”

Uralla Shire Council mayor Michael Pearce said common sense had prevailed.

“It’s nice to hear they’ve left us to do our work and our work is to look after the needs and wants of the community,” he said. 

Armidale Regional Council administrator Ian Tiley said he was pleased that the momentum achieved since May 12 would continue.

“The Premier has announced today that of the 20 councils that were merged last year, those mergers will stay in place,” he said.

“The government has also decided the proposed other mergers in rural areas will not go ahead, one of those was Armidale, Guyra, Walcha and Uralla which will not proceed.

“I’m pleased the new Council can continue to unleash the opportunities.”