They now face the prospect of having to win over the state government in order to get their desired outcome.

The snub has left Tenterfield in a precarious position after a Northern Tablelands Joint Organisation was announced earlier this week – with Tenterfield omitted.

“The NOROC (Northern Rivers Regional Organisation of Councils) councils have to have consensus on all recommendations and Tenterfield was not considered favourably by Kyogle and Tweed Shires at this stage. I am not able to comment on their reasons,” council general manager Lotta Jackson said.

Ms Jackson said council had not resolved to take action to join another organisation at this stage.

 “A report will be presented to council at the November council meeting in regards to this matter outlining the benefits for Tenterfield and for the current NOROC councils in relation to Tenterfield Shire being part of the Northern Rivers Joint Organisation,” she said.

NOROC currently consists of Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore City, Tweed and Richmond Valley shire councils.

Lismore City mayor and President of the NOROC committee Jenny Dowell said Tenterfield could face an uphill battle to be included.

“I think it will be a challenge for Tenterfield – while they’re set to be part of the Lismore electorate they fall outside the NSW planning boundaries.

“It’s going to need a strong case,” Ms Dowell said.

The six NOROC councils failed to come to an agreement on the issue at last week's meeting and instead of holding a vote resolved not to take a position.

Ms Dowell said divisive coal seam gas issues forced them to change their regulations and they have since implemented a consensus model.

She said that some council’s held a perception that Tenterfield held more in common with the Tablelands.

Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland said her council had resolved at their last meeting to not support Tenterfield’s bid.

“I took it to council as urgent business but our councillors said they saw Tenterfield as part of the New England,” Ms Mulholland said.

Tenterfield mayor Peter Petty said his council had over the years been approached to be a part of NOROC and he’d been left somewhat bewildered by the decision from his fellow council representatives.

“I’m surprised and disappointed – I think we’d bring great strength to the group,” he said.

Ms Mulholland said Cr Petty couldn’t have been too shocked by the decision as she’d discussed Kyogle’s position prior to the NOROC meeting.

Council will have to take their challenge to the state government under their ‘Fit for the Future’ proposals.