In his recent visits to Tenterfield, Mr Torbay said he had been approached by many members of the community concerned about how things were operating.

“I don’t think it [bringing in an administrator] is a realistic request, given that there is a full election of council in September of this year,” Mr Torbay said.

“I would be urging members of the community that are interested to run for council, and to express their views to the community and to take that road.

“People like to see open and honest debate but they want to see the public interest being served.

“That doesn’t mean they have to agree on everything but it does mean that things shouldn’t become personal because those sort of factions do have an impact on staff morale and morale in the community. ”

Tenterfield Ratepayers Association president Terry O’Sullivan said administrators would be “counter-productive”.

“Administrators would get rid of the councillors, not the staff. We would be paying a lot of money and getting nothing in return. It just doesn’t make good sense,” Mr O’Sullivan said.