More than 300 concerned Tumbarumba residents met at a public meeting at RSL Hall on Tuesday night to discuss their next move in their battle to not merge with Tumut Shire Council to become Snowy Valleys Council.

Tony a’Beckett – a former councillor – chaired the meeting on behalf of the Save Tumbarumba Shire committee.

He said two motions were granted at the meeting – contact the premier and continue on with the committee.

“We will write a formal letter to the premier to reverse the amalgamation decision,” Mr a’Beckett said.

“It’s on the grounds of overwhelming evidence to support our ability to stand alone.”

Mr a’Beckett stressed the committee will work with the state-government-appointed administrators and not be obstructionist, but it was frustrated that the town did what was asked of them and was still merged.

“They placed a dagger in our hearts,” he said.

Lockhart Shire Council will be marking its freedom to stand alone with a barbecue at Walter Day Park on Sunday from noon.

Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer said he looked forward to attending the Lockhart Shire victory barbecue on Sunday, but looks forward even more to attending a future victory barbecue at Tumbarumba as it should be taken out of the merger equation.

“Even though the government gazette notice has been signed in haste – conversely, a reversal government gazette can be drawn up and signed as well,” Mr Fischer said.

“There is no doubt the case for Tumbarumba is very positive and proven.

“The same can be said for Tumut Shire as well.”

​Mr Fischer made strong formal submissions supporting Lockhart, Tumbarumba and Tumut Shires standing alone, and he also supported the merger of Urana and Corowa Shires into the new Federation Shire.