Uncertainty continues to surround the NSW council mergers, with reports that Berejiklian Government may backtrack on its predecessor’s policies.

Newly installed Premier Gladys Bererjiklian is deemed likely to dump pending amalgamations being fought in court, the Daily Telegraph reports. This decision would affect 29 councils, and would see the planned merger of Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick axed along with the merger of part of Berejiklian’s local Willoughby Council with North Sydney and Mosman.

However, it is considered less likely that she will scrap already established Sydney council mergers.

There are reports that ratepayers of already merged councils could be given an opportunity to vote on whether they want to de-amalgamate.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro has publically stated his strong desire to see mergers halted at regional councils where the process had not been finalised.

Local Government NSW President Keith Rhoades welcomed the reports in a statement, stating that he had been in talks with Barilaro and the newly installed Local Government Minister Gabrielle Upton.

“It would be inappropriate to reveal the content of those discussions, but I can certainly say they were both constructive and productive,” Rhoades said.

“I have said all along that I was confident the Berejiklian/Bailaro Government and the new Local Government Minister would listen to the people, and these reports appear to confirm that confidence.”

Rhoades said the next important thing was the timing of the plebiscites for already merged councils.

“I would urge the Government to undertake these plebiscites this coming September when the residents and ratepayers of amalgamated councils go to the polls in local government elections.”

Berejiklian has declined to comment on the reports, but released a statement: “As I have said, we are looking at the council amalgamation policy.”