It comes as Tumbarumba will move from the Riverina electorate, back into the Eden-Monaro patch in the upcoming election. 

Save Tumbarumba Shire (STS) has called on the local community to nominate a new candidate via its Facebook page, in the hope of stopping a forced merger with Tumut Shire Council. 

“Maybe they need to realise that if an independent ran from this area there is every chance they would get an overwhelming number of the votes … with it being a marginal seat, these lost votes could make all the difference who is elected,” the post read. 

“An independent candidate is certainly something that has been brought to the attention of STS.”

But Tumbarumba mayor Ian Chaffey believes current state and federal representation is fighting hard enough for the community to remain standalone. 

“I personally don’t think there’s a great deal of benefit in standing an independent,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We’re being well represented. The community whole-heartedly is opposed to forced mergers.”

While Cr Chaffey believed Tumbarumba was being heard by decision makers, lifelong resident Craig Wilesmith said otherwise. 

“They’re puppets,” Mr Wilesmith said.

“But a federal (change) is no good to us when it’s a state issue. 

“A federal candidate will not do us any good at all. 

“The total system the state government has put out is flawed.”

Mr Wilesmith said he had never seen the town band together as they have done to fight tooth and nail against amalgamations.

“The efforts people are going to have been absolutely unreal,” he said. 

“Everybody is so passionate about it.”