There's speculation Port Stephens and Dungog councils could still merge despite the state government ruling out forced amalgamations in the Hunter.
Plans to merge Port Stephens and Newcastle Councils have now been officially dropped.
However, Port Stephens Mayor, Bruce MacKenzie says linking up with the struggling Dungog Council could still be on the cards.
"..and I know some people don't go along with that - some sort of voluntary merger between Dungog and Port Stephens - that's if both councils agree. Probably Port Stephens might agree but I think Dungog are still living in fantasy land that they can stand alone. Well, if they stand alone, they are not going to provide adequate services to the people of Dungog," he said.
Dungog Mayor, Harold Johnston has responded saying Port Stephens and Dungog are two completely different councils.
"Port Stephens is a large coastal council, we are a small rural council.
"We don't have that much really in connection with them [Port Stephens], we have much more in connection with Maitland through transport, schools, shopping, medical and education," he said.
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| Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie |
