Proposed Gunnedah electoral boundary change to Barwon frustrates local resident

Bill Weakley has lived in the area for almost 85 years and during this time has voted as part of the Tamworth, Upper Hunter, Barwon, Parkes, Gwydir and New England electorates.

He said the proposal to move Gunnedah to the Barwon electorate is "bad news".

"I, for one, am sick and tired of some bureaucrat deciding to pick up Gunnedah shire and dump it into any district to suit a numerical requirement," Mr Weakley said.

"It's ridiculous that the Parkes area covers the area it does ... [Barwon MP Roy Butler] can't be in every area at once."

Read also:

Mr Weakley's comments come after news that the NSW Electoral Commission is planning to move the shire into the larger electorate because it's under population quota despite its size.

But many, including Gunnedah Shire Council, are against the move.

Mr Weakley said this was especially due to the close ties Gunnedah residents have with Tamworth.

"Many work in [one] and live in the other. Almost all medical issues requiring specialist consultation of Gunnedah residents is performed in Tamworth," he said.

"We understand that in most deliberations we are not in competition with Tamworth. The major city is expected to get the large projects, and understands the wisdom of supporting the needs of the surrounding towns.

"We look forward with high expectations of the successful establishment of a university campus in Tamworth, together with the opportunities that will provide Gunnedah residents."

Both the Liberal Party and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party put forward a submission to the Electoral Commission to back the move, citing Gunnedah and Narrabri's linkages.

But Mr Weakley said that while the two towns "enjoy a friendly relationship ... there is only a small amount of exchange of trade and social relationship".

"Any new development is usually a contest between the centres to get a favourable decision. Fortunately Narrabri seems sure of growth and development with the progression of the inland rail," he said.

"You build up a certain relationship with your local member, whether it's personal or business, and even if it changes at election, all information changes from one hand to another.

"But when the electorate changes, you have to start all over again."

Mr Weakley regrets his "lethargy" in not making a submission before the consultation period closed, but said all residents in local government areas "should have their thoughts on redistribution seriously considered".

The Liverpool Plains shire could solely become a part of the Tamworth electorate.