The decision to send a government pesticides body from Canberra to Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce's regional NSW electorate has caused its fair share of controversy.
Widespread staff losses and revelations workers have been using WiFi from the local McDonalds have kept the move in the headlines.
But there are other regional councils lining up to welcome public servants from the major cities.
Submissions to a parliamentary inquiry looking into the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority's (APVMA) move to Armidale has heard from many councils with ideas about which agencies they could offer a home.
For its part, Armidale Regional Council estimates there will be a $91.77 million boost to the local economy from the relocation, with workers to enjoy affordable homes, less than five minutes travel to work and an hour flight to Sydney.
The central west town of Parkes has already enjoyed housing the western region headquarters for the NSW Roads and Maritime Service and it has its sights set on others.
"We believe that Parkes is the PERFECT location for entities such as (the Australian Rail Track Corporation), given our position and strengths in the national transport network," its mayor Ken Keith writes.
Mildura believes it could house Murray-Darling Basin Authority sections related to water management research.
They would benefit from being close to communities subject to the overall basin plan, the council says.
Albury City Council rejects the frequently heard calls that there is a need to base agencies in capital cities and the ACT so they can be close to the decision makers.
"There is no barrier to effective liaison which cannot be overcome through the use of modern communications technology, with occasional face-to-face meetings," it argues.
It too notes the natural synergies between the region and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
Workers moving to Albury could enjoy an improved cost of living, with the median price for a three-bedroom house in Albury currently $396,000, compared to $600,000 in Canberra, the council says.
Narrabri Shire Council is all in favour of departments being relocated to suitable regional areas.
But it asks that if a department was considered to be sent to the area, there be a requirement for an increase in government funding for child care and schools to accommodate new families.
In its submission, the APVMA says it is experiencing higher than expected staff departures ahead of the move.
But it has attracted more than 200 applicants during a recruitment drive late last year and hopes to use this pool to select people to fill the multiple vacancies.
The Canberra office is due to wind-up from July 2019.
