Mr Gosper was in Sydney attending a Centroc meeting with fellow councillors and general managers from the region when the announcement was made of the creation of 19 new councils in the state.

Several other council amalgamations including Orange, Blayney and Cabonne, and Bathurst and Oberon are on hold until court action against the mergers is resolved.

“It has been a hectic few hours down here and things are changing all the time,” Mr Gosper said. 

Cabonne deputy mayor Lachie MacSmith earlier said that as Walcha was not going to proceed as part of the court case he was unsure of Cabonne’s intention to continue with legal action.

“But I have spoken this afternoon with Gundagai Council who have come into the court case now with us to take their place so that situation’s changed,” Mr Gosper said.

Mr Gosper said the Cabonne community had shown its intention of wanting the legal case to proceed with the help of $20,000 ratified by council to be used for the legal fighting fund.

“This fight really began six years ago and it has all been pretty awful - I am conscious of the fact we are spending ratepayers’ money on the legal fight,” Mr MacSmith said.

Orange mayor John Davis said the council now had to play a waiting game.

“But that is democracy in action and it’s important we follow the process,” he said.

“There still is the feeling for all three councils we are in a state of limbo.”

It is thought Cabonne’s challenge in the Land and Environment Court should be concluded by mid-June, and they may have the right to appeal.

Member for Orange Andrew Gee said on Thursday he was disappointed in the government’s decision to merge Orange, Blayney and Cabonne.

“Today I telephoned Cabonne’s barrister Peter King and wished him well with the case,” he said in a statement.

“I hope he smacks the government’s case over the fence.”

Mr Gee said it was hard to believe the finding in the face of overwhelming opposition in the community and the comprehensive nature of submissions.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au