In around 2002 the then Labor State Government was funding potential ‘compulsory’ amalgamations.
Tamworth Council took them up on this offer and there was a five-way amalgamation done. Whilst this wasn’t easy for Tamworth’s smaller neighbouring Councils the net result was a very strong Tamworth Regional Council (and I don’t think the area has looked back since).
The Councils in our region were offered the same opportunity and unwisely (in my view) chose not to take it. Instead Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha Councils cobbled together the ill-fated ‘Strategic Alliance’ (nicknamed by one as the Tragic Alliance!). Armidale Dumaresq Council contributed the most resources to this and probably benefited the least.
In 2016 there was another opportunity for a ‘compulsory’ amalgamation with the clumsily managed (by the NSW State Government) Fit for the Future.
Uralla and Walcha had no interest in participating in this amalgamation and strongly and successfully opposed it.
In the end only Armidale Dumaresq Council and Guyra Shire Council amalgamated becoming Armidale Regional Council (ARC).
I have believed for years that a joining of Armidale, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha is the answer (now partially done) although, based on the bitter experience from 2016, where Armidale Dumaresq Council and Councillors was/were given a very hard time from two neighbouring Councils, ARC should not try to initiate this but rather wait until Walcha Council and/or Uralla Shire Council approach them requesting a voluntary amalgamation.
Re: “Council strategic cooperation raises the A word”, New England Times, 28 February 2026
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