Council boundaries are more than just lines on a map for some South Australian residents, who have found themselves relocated without moving an inch.

A contentious boundary change for councils on the Eyre Peninsula has meant several residents now belong to their previously neighbouring locale. A group of residents in the Franklin Harbour Council area come under the jurisdiction of the neighbouring Cleve Council, further diminishing the numbers in one of the state’s smallest councils.

The Franklin Harbour Mayor does not agree with the reduction of his jurisdiction, saying it may mean amalgamation is on the cards soon; “They've asked for opinions from both councils - we've said we are not going to stop it but we don't approve it,” said Mayor Eddie Elleway, “over the long-term it really exposes the viability of the Franklin Harbour Council - it certainly is going to be very much a limiting factor for the sustainability of the council.”

"We think it's a wrong move but the umpire has made a decision and we will ... [abide] by that."