A Shooters, Fishers and Farmers bill that will require referendums on mergers was passed by the upper house recently and will come before the parliament in August.

The proposed legislation could see mergers reversed by a public vote, effectively giving residents of amalgamated councils a chance to return to the way things were.

But Ms Hodgkinson, who crossed the floor to oppose Mike Baird’s ill-fated greyhound racing ban and was subsequently demoted to the back bench for her stance, said the proposed NSW greyhound racing ban and local government amalgamations were incomparable.

“I strongly denounced the ban on greyhound racing because it would have had a devastating and direct impact on the livelihoods of so many in our community,” she said.

“But local government amalgamations are effectively boundary redistributions. 

“I know there is nothing pleasant about boundary redistributions; I have been through three of them myself since entering politics.”

Former Young Shire mayor Brian Ingram said he would have no problem with the public having a say if the bill is passed.

“But, I would not like to speculate on what Ms Hodgkinson should do, it is her decision to make, and I’m comfortable with that.”

Ms Hodgkinson said she had supported the community by making the views of her constituents known to Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

“I have made many representations and have personally arranged for former councillors, mayors and other citizens to meet with various ministers on request since the amalgamations were announced,” she said.

“However, the Premier has stated the amalgamation is here to stay.”

Ms Hodgkinson said Hilltops residents should look forward to a council that represents all ratepayers across the new region.

“There will be local government elections in nine short weeks,” she said. 

“I will be supporting the newly developed Hilltops Council to the best of my ability, fighting for more than our fair share, including urgent infrastructure projects.”