Just standing room was left in the Athenium Theatre as hundreds of locals turned out to support their councillors.

A motion launched by businessman Roger Moore and Junee Business and Trades (JBT) president Tony Butt was unanimously supported by more than 350 people in attendance.

As well as pushing back against the state government’s amalgamation agenda, residents were united in their disdain for joining Wagga City Council.

Junee farmer Graham Elphick received rapturous applause when he believed Wagga City Council “couldn’t run a bath”.

Junee councillors called on residents to make noise with their state government representative – Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson.

“We need to make a lot of noise, we need you to make as much noise as possible,” Junee mayor Neil Smith said.

Neighbouring councils represented by Temora mayor Rick Firman and Coolamon Shire Council’s Tony Donoghue lent their support and outlined their shire’s plans.

“It’s up to you, your council and our communities to tell the government what we want,” Councillor Firman said.

“We’re not telling our community they will be better off after amalgamations when we know in our hearts it’s not true.”

JBT president Tony Butt said any amalgamation would cost local business and devastate the town’s economy.

He warned of council job losses and local contractors losing out on work.

“Which flows onto less money being spent in town … if we amalgamate we’ll miss out,” he said.

Mr Butt said the state government’s of $5 million on community infrastructure wasn’t needed, as council had delivered and maintained sporting fields, parks and gardens, a library and a pool.

“We need to make our voices heard that we want to remain independent.”