In ruling out support for forced mergers, Mr Barilaro wants to put regional NSW back into the frame.

“There has been, quite rightly, criticism that lip service only has been paid to regional areas over the past few years,” he said.

Member for Orange Phil Donato said the Nationals had talked tough in the past, but failed to deliver.

“I welcome (Mr) Barilaro’s comments, but let’s just wait and see what action he is able to achieve,” he said.

“We have been lobbying for over two years, the party and the people of Cabonne, but they continue to just ignore and disregard the people who are directly affected in the communities.”

Mr Donato said the Orange by-election result had rippled to the top, claiming the jobs of a premier and deputy.

“A 30 per cent swing against the government has them scared now,” he said.

“The National Party have clearly realised that unless they start representing regional people they face the risk of losing many seats and probably the election in 2019.”

Cabonne Council mayor Ian Gosper said Mr Barilaro’s decision gave him hope.

“We have always stood up for the majority of Cabonne residents who have made it very clear over the past four years they are strongly opposed to any amalgamation,” he said.

“Our communities indicated they are worried about the lack of rural or small town representation an amalgamation with a city council may deliver.”