Opposition Local Government spokesman Peter Primrose addressed the media with Mr Sheahan in front of the Hilltops Council chamber on Thursday.

“The Liberal-National local government policy is a dog’s breakfast,” Mr Primrose said.

“The Premier and her Deputy had the opportunity to clean it up and they didn’t. Labor will allow local plebiscites on demerging councils that have been forcibly merged.”

Mr Sheahan said the community had clearly rejected forced council mergers. 

“Locals will get another chance to express their view on October 14,” he said.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was pleased “democracy had been restored” when she visited Cootamundra this week. 

“I’m relieved the community elected who they wanted,” she said.

“We do not want further forced amalgamations (but) what’s there is there.”