The demise of Bellingen Shire Council, which was swallowed up by the Super Regional Council, had the effect of aligning the boundaries of all essential services eg health, police, and fire services.
Although it meant that control moved away from local hands, the rationalisation of services made it easier for local voices to make the case for improved services in their area.
In the case of Bellingen Shire the local hospital provided a clear example of the value of local health services, rather than centralisation in regional towns.