Dungog council has surprised everyone, voting down a motion to pursue a voluntary merger with Port Stephens.
It was voted down 4 to 3, also voting down a State Government cash injection of $15 million if they were to commit to the merger.
Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnson (told Fairfax) the council should be sacked , and an administrator appointed in their place.
Mayor of Dungog Harold Johnson says he shares the frustration of residents.
“The decision is going to be put onto a new council after the elections in September. The current council has had four and a half years to come to a position”.