NSW local government minister Paul Toole has been praised by Temora Shire for "walking with them" ahead of potential council changes in the future.
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It comes as the government mounts its response to the Independent Local Government Review Panel's (ILGRP) final report.
Temora mayor Rick Firman was joined by general manager Gary Lavelle to personally hand Mr Toole a copy of the shire's report submission in Sydney on Tuesday.
Councillor Firman was impressed by Mr Toole's vision for local government and said he indicated some councils had spoken about voluntary amalgamations.
"For us, it is not an option," Cr Firman said.
"From day one, we have held the strong and solid view we will remain, and must remain, an autonomous body."
Despite the shire supporting most of the ILGRP recommendations and being in favour of strengthening the sector, Cr Firman said an amalgamation wasn't the answer.
"We simply wanted to talk (with the minister) from our hearts about the many positives and strengths we possess as a shire," he said.
Mr Toole told The Daily Advertiser yesterday he was focused on making sure councils were financially viable, could deal with infrastructure backlogs and provide services to the community.
"The government has to respond to the panel and that will be forthcoming before the end of the year," Mr Toole said.