I agree with Bower. Uralla has proven itself to be a stable and sustainable community. Unlike Armidale, Uralla enjoys strong leadership and community support. Bigger is often not always better in terms of economic management. Whilst change can be good - the strategic alliance failed because of a lack of commitment from the largest partner. Uralla has the potential to grow and develop. I believe the amalgamation will stifle any potential Uralla has, by sucking the funds and resources out and giving little back in return.

I agree. My concern is that Armidale has far more residents and therefore they will have much more influence on all decisions. And naturally the residents of Armidale will be interested in promoting their own community and not Uralla. What would happen, for example, if there were a proposal for all Armidale waste to be dumped at the Uralla tip or somewhere near Uralla? I see no reason for voluntary amalgamation. However, it might be worth considering options to prevent a forced amalgamation in the future, such as some sort of amalgamation or collaboration with our neighbour Walcha.

We are loosing our indavidual autonomy peace by peace year after year, it may be different if the council was going broke, aline has to be drawn in the sand at some point.

As the saying goes if it aint broke why fix it.