Those were the words of the council's general manager, Dave Walker, who suggested the move in a report tabled last week.

Mr Walker referred to a recent media release in which the council group indicated its support for a toll increase for the M2 while advocating the removal of tolls on the M4 and M5 as one of the main reasons the council should abandon the organisation.

Membership costs Hills ratepayers $64,759.65 a year.

Mr Walker also pointed to the council group's alleged lack of support for the North-West Rail Link.

``A recent Four Corners program strongly supported the need for the North-West Rail Link,'' he said. ``There was no response from WSROC in support, yet at the same time, it issued two media releases criticising the University of Western Sydney for removing a particular course.''

The report was supported by all eight Liberal councillors. Labor split on the issue, with Raymond Harty and Barbara Burton supporting the Liberals, leaving former WSROC president Tony Hay and his Labor colleague Cr David Bentham in dissent.

The report recommended the council formalise ties with Hawkesbury and Hornsby Council rather than lean on an organisation ``which does not represent council's future or potential''.

WSROC president Alison McLean rejected the claims, saying the North-West Rail Link had always been a major priority for the organisation which is made up of 11 councils.

``The press release referred to was distributed in error and withdrawn within five minutes,'' said Ms McLean, also a councillor on Blue Mountains City Council.

``We have always advocated strongly for the North-West Rail Link.''

Asked if she believed the council's move away from the Labor-dominated council group was politically motivated, Ms McLean said: ``I am not quite sure. I am a little bit perplexed.''