Mr Klimpsch, who lives on the outskirts of Lockhart, elected to speak at the first of three public inquiries into the merger held at Corowa which was attended by more than 100 people.

Another was held at Lockhart on Thursday night, but Mr Klimpsch fronted NSW Government-appointed delegate Mike Eden at Corowa to ram home the point Lockhart had no connection  to Corowa Shire and was more aligned to Wagga.

“It's like there is a mountain range between the two areas even though it is flat,” he said.

“There is absolutely no sporting or business connection at all.

“I live in the Lockhart Shire, but travelled 76 kilometres through the Greater Hume Shire to get here today.

“Lockhart wants to be standalone, but in the real world it is not going to happen.”

Mr Klimpsch also said if Lockhart was merged with Corowa and Urana its C ward should be carved off and moved into Wagga.

A total of 15 people took the opportunity to address Mr Eden with Corowa Mayor Paul Miegel kicking off proceedings.

Cr Miegel said the long distances councillors would be forced to travel if the merger went ahead would be a disincentive for people to enter local government.

Other councillors to speak were former mayor Fred Longmire, Francesco Bruinsma, Daryl Davey, Gail Law, Daryl Davey and Fiona Schirmer.

All agreed there was no community of interest between Corowa and Lockhart with both shires presently having different federal and state government MPs.

Former Corowa mayor Gary Poidevin reinforced his feeling of betrayal by the NSW Government.

Mulwala Water Ski Club chief executive Peter Duncan said it made “more sense” for Mulwala to move to Berrigan Shire if the merger went ahead.

Robert Anderson, Anne Sloane, Trevor Jones, Elaine Price and United Services Union organiser Jed Lawton also spoke at the Corowa Golf Club session.