There's speculation the Berejiklian government will not only cease forced council amalgamations, but also give the residents of already merged councils a vote on whether to de-amalgamate.
Reports of the major backflip have been welcomed by the Opposition and Local Government NSW, and are expected to be applauded by local anti-amalgamation protest groups.
Nine reports that the plan is set to go to cabinet either today or next week, though the reports are yet to be confirmed by the government.