NSW Premier Mike Baird tells councils to keep merger talks going

Premier Mike Baird and local government minister Paul Toole has written to mayors this week urging them to keep pushing for amalgamations with their neighbouring shires.

The Border Mail has obtained a copy of the letter confirming up to $15 million was available to newly merged councils to invest in infrastructure or services.

But there are strings attached with unwilling councils risking the sack and replaced by administrators.

"To access funding, mergers must be agreed to by councils, supported by the government and submitted by the November 18 deadline," the letter said.

"Councillors (who) have demonstrated an ability to work together in reaching agreement to merge will have the opportunity to shape the future of the new council and serve their community until the end of their current term.

"This will include input to decisions on service levels, branding, jobs, location of key administrative centres and/or local representation.

"We ask you to consider carefully the interests of your community and the benefits of a larger council.

"We ask you to also consider the job protections in place, in particular for areas with fewer than 5000 people, and the guarantee the government has given on services, infrastructutre, rates and local representation."

Corowa Shire remains open to a merger, but its suggested future partner Urana is also in talks with Lockhart.

Berrigan is resisting moves to merge and neighbouring Jerilderie will only a consider a four-way merger with Berrigan, Urana and Corowa if it doesn't get its wish to remain a small rural council.

Corowa mayor Paul Miegel said the message from the government was clear.

"It remains clear they want councils to get on board with the panel's recommendations," he said.

"Corowa has always been open to a merger, but we are not going to take unwilling partners."