NSW residents get 19 new councils

NSW residents are coming to grips with news the state will soon have 19 new councils as part of the government's controversial forced mergers.

While Premier Mike Baird backed away from several of the planned amalgamations - including those in marginal federal seats - the majority of the proposed unifications are going ahead.

Nine are on hold pending legal action.

"I strongly believe that we have taken decisions that are in the interest of ratepayers from one end of the state to the other," Mr Baird said on Thursday.

Among the mergers shelved was a proposed amalgamation between Walcha and Tamworth councils, which take in Barnaby Joyce's New England seat.

NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader Troy Grant admitted he had spoken to Mr Joyce, but insisted that didn't affect the outcome.

A review of the merged councils will be conducted in four years.