On Saturday the electors of three NSW electorates of Canterbury, Orange and Wollongong strongly rejected the NSW Governments forced local government mergers.

Each of the three electorates for which a by-election was held were directly affected by forced Local Government amalgamations and this was a campaign issue of concern amongst many voters.

The electors in these communities have registered their objection to Premier Bairds forced amalgamations and have delivered a record-breaking protest vote in Orange, the only electorate where the Coalition fielded a candidate.

In Canterbury and Wollongong, the Government lacked the courage to defend their plans, but Labor MPs were elected on primary votes, with strong swings in both electorates.

In Wollongong, the Wollongong City Council is being merged with Shellharbour City Council. In Orange, the Orange City Council is being merged with Blaney Shire Council and Cabbone Council. In Canterbury, the Canterbury City Council has merged with Bankstown City Council.

These by-election results show that the NSW Liberal-National Government has lost touch with the community and should re think its arrogant approach to council mergers.

MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2016