It comes after the Oberon Anti-amalgamation Committee (OAAC) decided to support an independent candidate in the next state election due to be held in 2019.

OAAC chairman Brian Dellow said the campaign against the NSW Government and Mr Toole – who as Minister for Local Government has led the controversial push to merge Oberon and Bathurst councils - had just begun. 

"OAAC are seeking an independent candidate with a view to giving the current member Paul Toole the fright of his life,” Mr Dellow said.

"As our local member, Paul Toole has sold us out and is attempting to destroy our town. 

"He has no integrity, has given Oberon no support, ignored the wishes of the overwhelming majority of the community and has not honoured his word. 

"He has no right to be Oberon's elected representative.

"So this is why the committee is seeking a high profile independent candidate who values local government.

“We need someone who has strong views on the difference between rural and regional, is honest and willing to listen to the views of the community.

“We need someone who is not afraid to make those views known to those in power."

Mr Dellow said they have advertisements running in the Lithgow Mercury and Western Advocate this week seeking suitable candidates.

"Election campaigns cost a lot of money and so fundraising will be an essential part of the program,” he said.

"We need ideas and support and hopefully the backing of the town.

“Any ideas or suggestions will be gratefully received.

"If anyone is prepared to help they can contact Marj Armstrong or myself."

Mr Dellow said the campaign would continue regardless of any court decisions on the NSW Government's proposed forced amalgamation of Oberon and Bathurst.

Oberon and Cabonne councils' court challenge against their respective forced mergers concluded at the end of June and a verdict is expected by the end of the month. .

The Land and Environment Court last week rejected Woollahra Council’s challenge against its forced merger with Randwick and Waverley councils.

The NSW Government says the mergers will create stronger councils.