The flyers outlined how Bathurst residents could be affected if the proposed amalgamation of Bathurst Regional Council and Oberon Council goes ahead.

The reverse side of the flyer featured a copy of a signed letter from Member for Bathurst Paul Toole stating “there will be no forced amalgamations”.

Oberon Anti Amalgamation committee member Marj Armstrong said the committee wanted to get the conversation started among Bathurst residents.

“Most people that we spoke to knew nothing about the amalgamation issue,” she said. “I was stunned that few people knew what was happening and most encouraged us to fight any amalgamation.

“Those who did know something about the proposed merger had no idea that their rates and services from a combined council could be affected.”

Forty two per cent of the Oberon’s local government area is unrateable due to National Parks and Forestry and only two roads in Oberon are under Roads and Maritime maintenance control.

“All other roads in Oberon are maintained by Oberon Council - we’ve been doing this for years and Oberon Council do a good job of it,” Mrs Armstrong said.

“Services in Oberon and Bathurst will be affected and now the people of Bathurst should be asking their mayor how it will affect them - and what plans are being put in place.

“There has been no community consultation in Bathurst or Oberon on how this amalgamation is going to be structured. Mr Toole has been invited to Oberon and he hasn’t even responded.”

Mrs Armstrong said the committee will also tell Lithgow residents how Oberon residents  feels about amalgamation. “We want to keep them informed of what is going on and warn them that they will be next,” she said.

Mr Toole has said recently that any decisions regarding amalgamation were still to be made.