Mr Johnsen urged Local Government Minister Paul Toole to reconsider the Dungog-Maitland merger because he didn’t like it and told him a Dungog-Gloucester merger should be investigated.

Mr Toole took his advice and modelling proved it was viable option.

The proposal was announced last month along with other revised mergers across the state. 

Mr Johnsen has defended the move amid a scathing attack from Gloucester mayor, Cr John Rosenbaum, and some of the community who claim it was a political manoeuvre to help Mr Johnsen retain his seat at the next election. 

Mr Johnsen said the best outcome for Dungog was to merge with Gloucester instead of “being swallowed by Maitland”. 

He confirmed a Maitland-Dungog merger would have proceeded if Gloucester had not been put forward. 

“I chatted to the minister and said I’m not real happy about this one, these options, is it possible to have a look at Gloucester and Dungog and see how that comes out,” Mr Johnsen said.

“I asked for the modelling to be done on this particular option to see if it was actually viable and the report came out saying it is.

“I’m trying to act on the community’s behalf, if the decision is going to be taken out of your hands than how can we best possibly influence it as best as possible for the community.”

Dungog mayor, Cr Harold Johnston, did not know Mr Johnsen was so involved in the process. 

More than 200 Gloucester residents unanimously voted to reject the merger at a town meeting last week and decided to push for the council to stand alone. 

Dungog residents also voiced their opposition to a merger at a meeting last week.

“There were discussions taken place prior to the announcement [last month] and we didn’t have any involvement in any discussions around it,” Cr Rosenbaum said. 

“That disappoints myself and the community, it’s a total lack of respect.”

Cr Rosenbaum said he was open to the concept of a rural council but felt a merger with Taree and Great Lakes councils would be more suitable, if a forced merger had to occur. 

“No-one goes to Dungog to do anything, we all go to the coast,” he said.  “If we are forced to merge with someone we should merge with Taree and Great Lakes.”

Cr Johnston said Dungog wanted to remain a stand-alone council and would meet with Gloucester council this week to discuss its concerns. 

“We have to demonstrate that there is no benefit and there could be detriment from the government’s proposal,” he said. 

A meeting will be held in Dungog and Gloucester on February 9 where residents and the council will state their case to a state government delegate.