INVERELL Shire Council has won the Tingha tug-of-war with a majority vote of 57 per cent.
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Armidale Regional Council administrator Ian Tiley conceded the 800 square kilometre boundary adjustment in a meeting of Council on Wednesday.
“This matter has been bubbling along ever since I’ve been in this role,” he said.
“I don’t necessarily consider that 57 per cent as a resounding majority of support, but I agreed at the meeting with Tingha, Inverell and our local MP [Adam Marshall] that we would go with the majority view.”
The boundary adjustment will mean that Tingha Village, Green Valley Farm and the Georges Creek area south and south-west of Tingha will now belong to Inverell Shire Council.
Tingha Citizens Association Incorporated chairperson Colleen Graham said the resolution was wonderful news.
“The greater majority have wanted this, Inverell has always been regarded as our home town and it’s our hub,” she said.
“I didn’t realise the community of interest was so far spread, so we’re really a united community and that’s very rewarding."
Inverell Shire Council general manager Paul Henry said that councillors were made aware of Armidale’s decision on Wednesday.
"Inverell Shire Council has also met and passed a similar motion to accept the decision and for the distribution of assets to be done in an equitable manner,” he said.
“We will write a submission to the Minister for Local Government indicating our support for the decision.”
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said he was delighted to now put a single submission to the Minister for Local Government Gabrielle Upton.
“What has been a heavy discussion between both councils now has an agreed position and I’m very hopeful the decision will be resolved soon,” he said.
“The prospects of Tingha incorporating with Inverell have been given a massive boost.”
Armidale Regional Council will request all costs of the move incurred by both Councils be funded by the NSW State Government.
Council expects there will be considerable cost implications should the boundary adjustment proceed.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
