The Tingha community and recreation park have been conceded to Inverell Shire by Armidale Regional Council (ARC), but formal negotiations will not proceed until the rural ARC households in Inverell’s proposed boundary change return surveys about their council preference.

Inverell general manager Paul Henry said he understood ARC administrator Dr Ian Tiley had letters sent to about 50 rural households last week to survey whether residents wanted to reside in ARC or Inverell. 

“So they should have received them by now and I think there’s 28 days for a response,” Mr Henry said. 

“The administrator has given the people an opportunity to express their opinion, and we hope the residents will take up this exercise in local democracy.”

Inverell council voted against the ARC proposal of conceding Tingha alone in their January general council meeting. 

Member for Northern Tablelands convened a meeting with Inverell mayor Paul Harmon and Dr Tiley for further discussion. 

A decision was then made to survey the remaining residents of the area proposed by Inverell, and Cr Harmon said it was then Dr Tiley indicated he would act to support the desire of the majority opinion. Mr Henry concurred. 

“They've promised to provide us with a copy of the responses they receive, but the administrator has indicated that the view of the majority will prevail,” he said. 

Cr Harmon said despite ARC’s concession of Tingha and Green Valley Farm, no final decision can be made until the area Inverell will absorb, is mutually determined.