Confusion surrounds the date of the council elections in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially slated to head to the polls in September, the state government announced council elections would be postponed 12 months to September 2021.

But the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party wants them reinstated this year, and as coronavirus restrictions ease across the board, there are growing calls to head to the polls earlier rather than later.

Cr Murray floated the idea of holding elections next March. He said the timing would allow councillors to have a four-and-a-half year term followed by a three-and-a-half year term, rather than five and three-year stints in the following term.

"I think it would be rather difficult to bring it back to September [this year], but from a personal point of view, I've had thoughts that maybe March next year might be a good time," he told the Leader.

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However, Cr Murray said Tamworth council is in a stable position and wouldn't be heavily affected by a postponed election date.

"This term of councillors, and I can only speak to my fellow councillors, they all appear to be fairly comfortable to do that extra year," he said.

"It's not a really big issue for the council."

Despite repeated requests, the NSW government has not responded to the Leader's requests to confirm if the order to shift the voting date has been made official, leaving an air of uncertainty about when communities will elect their councillors.

Although it's unknown whether the new September 2021 dates are confirmed, a NSW government spokesperson said it is impossible to shift the elections forward to the original date because of a lack of time.

Member for Orange Phil Donato and Member for Barwon Roy Butler have called for local government elections to run on the original September 2020 date, pending health advice.

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"I see no reason that local government shouldn't face the ratepayers and residents in September this year as is the normal cycle," Mr Butler said.

"Elections are an essential part of our democracy and they are inherently healthy, they ensure that those who are elected and those who want to stand for election face scrutiny and have to answer the questions of the public."

Mr Donato described the government's decision to postpone elections as one made with "unnecessary haste" and suggested postal and electronic voting could be looked into.

"Many local communities across regional New South Wales have suffered economic ravages from years of devastating drought, unprecedented bushfires and now COVID-19 ... their financial rebuild requires the input of community, and that their voices be heard," he said.

The NSW government spokesperson said the decision was made at the request of the NSW Electoral Commissioner and provides certainty to local councils and communities.

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