COROWA Shire remains open to a merger before the NSW Government pulls the pin on promised financial incentives for councils to amalgamate.
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Corowa was among seven Riverina councils brought together in Sydney this week to discuss the wash-up of being ruled unfit for the future by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
Mayor Paul Miegel said councils were left in no doubt they had until November 18 to find merger partners or forfeit financial incentives starting at $5 million.
"If you put in a proposal to merge and everyone agrees and the government agrees, you get the money," he said.
"But that is where the conversation stopped.
"We are not getting any answers from the government about what happens after November 18.
"We are all trying to make decisions with no information and that is really frustrating."
IPART ruled the seven Riverina councils _ Corowa, Urana, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Conargo, Deniliquin and Murray _ unfit for the future.
Albury and Greater Hume councils were given the tick of approval to remain standalone.
IPART is recommending three mergers in the southern Riverina – Corowa-Urana, Jerilderie-Berrigan and Deniliquin-Murray-Conargo.
Cr Miegel said Corowa was upset at being ruled unfit for the future after proving its financial sustainability, but was realistic about the government's intentions.
"We recognise local government needs reform," he said.
"But we are not happy at being labelled unfit and being hammered by a media campaign against local government.
"We've still got some issues with how it has all been put together."
But IPART confirmed last week assessments on all councils handed down would remain unchanged despite some challenges including one from Berrigan.
Cr Miegel confirmed talks had been held with neighbouring councils.
"Our door has always been open and remains open,.
"But at this point in time we are no closer than what we were before."
