The Inverell Shire Council move was blocked by the Electoral Commission NSW, that would not allow a boundary adjustment within six months of an election.

Armidale Regional Council goes to the polls in September to elect the first council, following last year’s amalgamation of Armidale-Dumaresq and Guyra Shire councils.

ARC administrator Ian Tiley said the situation raised a number of issues.

A successful election candidate from Tingha could serve out their term as a councillor in Armidale.

But, should they quit the job before the term is up – the entire region would be put to a bi-election, at a cost to Armidale of around $150,000.

“The reality is with the new Council area, it’s highly improbable that someone from Tingha could be elected, because the quota is 1200 votes,” Mr Tiley said.

“It would need to be someone who was really well known and popular, and I don’t believe that situation exists, I don’t think it’s a real possibility.

“But, the disenfranchisement of the people out there is a genuine concern for me.”

Mr Tiley said both councils were not made aware of the Electoral Commission NSW’s six month rule.

“It’s a most unfortunate situation and if the Office of Local Government had quickly addressed the joint submission last month there would have been some chance of getting it done,” he said.

Tingha Citizens Association chairperson Colleen Graham said the predicament is absurd.

“It’s bureaucracy gone crazy,” she said.

“Already people are saying to me they’ll get their name crossed off and won't vote at all – that’s how strongly they feel about it.”

The Express has contacted the Electoral Commission NSW for comment.