Councils in New South Wales will be represented by one single body following the proposed merger of the Local Government Association (LGA) and the Shires Association (SA).

More than 260 representatives from 123 councils gathered at the One Association Convention in Sydney on Monday to vote on the future of their associations.

Delegates voted overwhelming in support of forming a new association to represent local government in the state.

LGA president Genia McCaffery said there was widespread support for a “single, strong and united industry body”.

“I was very impressed with the open and respectful way in which so many different speakers from all our councils addressed the convention,” Cr McCaffery said.

“People displayed great courage, tackling all the hard hitting issues surrounding the pros and cons for one association.

“Forming one association requires trust and goodwill from both parties, and the feeling today is that all councils are committed to forming one association, with the strongest voice for councils and our communities.”

SA president Bruce Miller welcomed the vote outcome.

“There was some terrific debate throughout the day and right from the start general consensus for moving to one association was overwhelming,” Cr Miller said.

“Every council was given the chance to speak, regardless of their location, population or size.”

Both existing associations will take the overwhelming majority vote in favour of forming one association to their upcoming LGA and Shires conferences.