Cr Wall was branded a ‘‘lame duck’’ by opponents of the dam immediately after last night’s council meeting, but he resisted calls to resign and will consider his future in coming days.

Six of nine councillors supported the no confidence motion.

Cr Wall addressed the meeting for about 25 minutes and read statements of support from politicians including Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay and Upper Hunter MP George Souris.

Clearly sensing the mood of his fellow councillors, Cr Wall left the chamber after speaking.

‘‘I’m not going to sit here and debate this rubbish,’’ he told councillors as he left.

‘‘You can feel free to do what you want to.’’

Cr Peter Ainsworth, who put forward the motion of no confidence, said Cr Wall had failed to follow the ‘‘substance and spirit’’ of council resolutions opposing the dam.

Councillors Lea Mitchell and Stephen Farrow opposed the move.

‘‘It’s a very sad day in my opinion that such a motion can be considered,’’ Cr Mitchell said.

Community members spilled into a second room at Dungog’s tiny council chambers for the debate, including many who had come to support Cr Wall.

Councillors have requested that Cr Wall resign, but he is not obliged to do so until an election scheduled for September.

Greens MP John Kaye said last night that Cr Wall was a ‘‘lame duck’’ and should stand down for the good of the community.

‘‘His position is untenable,’’ Dr Kaye said. ‘‘This is yet another body blow for those in support of the dam.’’

He said the decision had been a referendum on local support for Tillegra.

Dr Kaye said it also reflected poorly on Ms McKay, who had strongly backed Cr Wall.

Ms McKay was unavailable for comment last night.