The public meeting, organised by councillor Greg Watson, moved a resolution to “convey to Shoalhaven City Council the community’s total opposition to the amalgamation”.

Cr Watson told the Times he was “delighted” with the roll up and said people went away feeling “more informed about how they could be affected by the merger”.

“The problem was that people didn’t really know how the merger would affect them – they were confused and uncertain which way to go,” he added.

Cr Watson said “the majority” of attendees signed a petition against the merger on the way into the meeting and those that didn’t “signed it on the way out”.

He said the main concerns raised were an “inevitable rate explosion” and the loss of council jobs in the Milton-Ulladulla district.

Cr Watson urged everyone that attended the meeting to make a submission to the amalgamation delegate Greg Wright, outlining their primary concerns.

He said the delegate would consider the community’s response and make a recommendation to the Boundaries Commission and the Minister for Local Government for determination.

People can register to attend or make a verbal presentation to the delegate’s inquiry at the Ulladulla ExServos from 7pm on February 25.

Ulladulla and Districts Community Forum secretary Sunnee Ord agreed people “went away with a better understanding of the importance of sending a submission in”.

“The most important concern I have is ensuring the younger demographic read as much information on the proposed merger and form an opinion and submit their views,” she said.

“They will be the ones who will be most affected by the changes and need to understand the implications a merger could have on the resources to maintain and develop their area.

“This is the future of our community and we all need to care enough about the direction it takes to consider and voice a response, whatever it may be.”

The meeting was chaired by Cr Watson and speakers included former Cr Bob Proudfoot, Cr Mark Kitchener, Cr Amanda Findley, Cr Jim McCrudden and Cr Andrew Guile as well as Kiama Cr Neil Reilly.

Mayor Joanna Gash and Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock also attended and sat in the audience before responding to questions from the floor.

Cr Watson said he was pleased the mayor and state MP attended to hear the community’s view.

“I think the message is finally getting through to Shelley pretty strongly that people don’t want this amalgamation to go ahead because, up until now, I think she was of the opinion that we don’t care,” he added.

Milton District Community Forum secretary Rebecca Cameron said the turn out was “an indication that this issue is indeed a major concern for our community”.

“The issues raised included concerns about loss of jobs, not only relating to council employees, but also to tourism through a loss of identity and branding,” she added.

“The Shoalhaven is one of the biggest tourist destinations in regional NSW, with Milton, Mollymook  and Ulladulla all supporting thriving businesses directly related to tourism.

“We are also concerned about the lack of consultation and transparency by the State Government and the lack of details in relation to how this amalgamation would work - specifically what would happen to the Shoalhaven Water asset and the structure of wards and subsequent representation. 

“We are already struggling to have our voices heard in one of the largest councils in the state.”

Cr Gash has announced a phone survey will be conducted in the Shoalhaven area from Friday February 19 until Sunday February 21.

Written submissions will be accepted until 5pm Sunday February 28 and can be submitted via the website or by mail to: Council Boundary Review, GPO Box 5341, Sydney NSW 2001.

Members of the public who would like to attend or speak at the February 25 inquiry in Ulladulla are requested to register via the website or phone 1300 813 020.

The public inquiry is part of the examination and reporting process conducted by the delegate and provides an opportunity for members of the public to express their opinions on the proposal.

People can make submissions and register to attend the inquiry via: www.councilboundaryreview.nsw.gov.au