The Chronicle also carries an article by Michelle Mexon outlining the report by Peter Peppin recommending that Dungog merge with Port Stephens.

True, the article also refers to the recommendation by Dr Ian Tilley of a Maitland/Dungog merger.

But as this was, I believe, rejected even before the public meetings were held, by both Maitland and a high number of Dungog residents, I suggest that it has little relevance.

Reference the 1,794 signature petition (rejected by Dungog Council) and the Fairfax poll showing 77.5 per cent support for the Dungog/Port Stephens merger.

If only NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (or her masters) had read these reports and acted intelligently toward the process tax payers had already paid for and not leapt to shore up their own ratings we would all be better off. 

I’ll bet we never see a figure put on the vast waste of money this failed process has cost.

Whilst I would not go so far as to suggest that our Mayor Cr Harold Johnston has shown a softer line on a merger (Dungog Chronicle page one, February 22, 2017) I would say that he has shown a more statesmanlike approach in that article.

It should be clear to all that Dungog is too far behind to remain an independent body. 

Let’s hope that all of the political forces coalesce into an agreement that suits if not all, then a very large number of Dungog residents.

I am aware a small group of Dungog councillors travelled to Sydney last week to meet with the Minister for Local Government, Gabrielle Upton, to reinforce council's 'stand alone' status.

If the majority of councillors are against a voluntary merger with Port Stephens then they should be telling us, the ratepayers, why it is not in our best interests. 

Also, a survey should be sent out to all Dungog Shire ratepayers asking the question: Should Dungog Shire Council voluntarily merge with Port Stephens? 

I know residents can be quite disinterested in council matters, but surely if they can voice their views via council's website or a drop-off box at the council chambers and local villages, then their response could be surprising.

Many residents are disillusioned by not having a voice regarding the voluntary merger proposed by Port Stephens Council and I think a survey would be a good solution and enable people to have an input into what will affect us for decades to come. 

Port Stephens mayor Bruce Mackenzie doesn’t want to have to merge with Newcastle down the track. It will come up again.

 Dungog is in such a deep hole with debt backlog.

 Dungog is stuffed. The town’s roads and rural roads are in terrible shape. 

Say yes to the merger.

Where is his evidence that our shire will die? Maybe Bruce Mackenzie is trembling, knowing that the Port Stephens/Newcastle City Council amalgamation is knocking on the door.

I like the way Cr Mackenzie is listening to the residents of Dungog because I don’t believe our own council ever has!

I must say I'm confused.

All the arguments for and against have such an emotional tinge to them.

I don't trust politicians. Where do I get real information?

 Dungog can't survive on its own.

If we stay on our own, council has submitted rural rates will go up over 100 per cent.

 If we align with Port Stephens council they would go up about 20 to 25 per cent to be the same as theirs and hopefully have a better scale of economy on service delivery.

 Nothing's perfect but we need to stop living on borrowed time.