Dungog Councillors voted against a merger with Port Stephens at a meeting overnight, despite concerns the town could struggle in the future.
Without help from Dungog's neighbour, the town could struggle to provide services and infrastructure.
A delegation comprising of the council's general manager, mayor and deputy will now instead seek more information about the proposed merger and look to Maitland to look into their views on linking up.
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They will also look at splitting the shire and retaining Dungog's independence.
Councillors also voted last night to put the merger plan to the people and conduct a poll at the next election to gauge ratepayers opinion on the issues.