Local Government Review Panel meeting in Bathurst tonight

A suggestion by the Local Government Review Panel to merge a number of local councils will be discussed at a meeting in Bathurst tonight.

The Review Panel has suggested the merging of Orange, Cabonne and Blayney councils, which has concerned a number of residents and councillors.

Cabonne Mayor Ian Gosper says the biggest employer in Cabonne is local government, while Blayney Mayor, Scott Ferguson, says there are fears the identity of Blayney will disappear.

But the Review Panel says the amalgamation would provide Blayney and Cabonne with a much higher capacity rate base.

The review also suggests merging the Oberon council with Bathurst.

But Panel chair Graham Sansom says the amalgamations remain a mere option, and not the panels final recommendation to the state governmen.t