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.

Of the properties surveyed, 24 out of 29 respondents indicated they would like to be part of the Inverell local government area.

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.

“For many reasons it’s wonderful news and I know the residents will all be delighted, it’s a good cause for a party I think.

“Armidale were very fair in saying that they would send letters to the people south of the boundary and gave them an opportunity to decide.

“I didn’t realise the community of interest was so far spread, so we’re really a united community and that’s very rewarding."

Armidale Regional Council will request all costs of the move incurred by both councils be funded by the NSW State Government.