Brewarrina Shire Council reflects on a productive and successful six months

Brewarrina Shire Council recently reflected on a highly productive first six months of the 2024/25 financial year, in what is set to be their most successful year to date with more than $43.5 million in projects already underway or completed and another $4.5 million recently secured.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby presented the half yearly report at the February Council meeting on Tuesday February 25 and said important progress had been made so far this year.

“I’m pleased to report Council progress for the first half of the 2024/2025 financial year has witnessed significant advancement in key projects, infrastructure enhancements, and community engagement initiatives. Brewarrina Shire Council remains dedicated to fulfilling its strategic objectives, ensuring sustainable growth and exemplary service delivery for the community,” said Mr Kirby.

“We have an unprecedented number of projects already underway or completed and in more good news for our Shire, another $4.5 million has recently been secured. This re-affirms our commitment to keep advancing and progressing our communities. We will not be taking the foot of the accelerator, and we will continue to actively seek out opportunities that will keep Brewarrina Shire Council at the forefront of regional development and a thriving place to live, work and visit.”

Over the first six months of the 2024/25 year, there have been a number of key achievements to date including:

Infrastructure Development:

Completion of the Jobs Gate Road Stage 3 stabilisation and sealing works on a two-kilometre stretch, with Stage 4 projected for July 2025 to extend the upgrade to another two kilometres. These upgrades are expected to improve transport connectivity and enhance road safety for residents and visitors. Funded under the Fixing Local Roads Program.
Completion of the 2.5-kilometre Goodooga Road shoulder widening project funded under the Roads to Recovery grant ($870,000). This project aims to address road safety concerns and support local freight and transport operations, with completion scheduled for late 2025.
Progress on Brewarrina Main Street Redevelopment with scope variations endorsed by the funding body, to enhance community accessibility and safety. The redevelopment will revitalise the town centre, making it more pedestrian-friendly, incorporating seating, landscaping, traffic calming measures, and fostering increased commercial activity.
Installation of Public Toilet at Goodooga Cemetery.
Brewarrina Waste Facility Redevelopment – Excavation of new pit for builders waste completed and now in use.
Works commenced on the refurbishment of Senior Citizens Room and Mobile Resource Room. Both rooms have been stripped and new kitchens installed. Works will be completed by April 2025 and consist of painting and new flooring.
Construction of Shared Path and Solar Lighting installations at Weilmoringle and Goodooga Townships, facilitating improved pedestrian safety and night visibility. These installations contribute to safer and more accessible pathways, particularly benefiting children and elderly residents. Funded through the Federal and NSW Government Active Transport Infrastructure Grants. Weilmoringle project 80% completed with Goodooga Shared Paths programmed to commence in March 2025.
Routine maintenance and weed spraying continued on State Roads despite weather challenges. Heavy patching commenced on state highways as part of the RMCC contract with 38 heavy patches completed up until December 2024. There are still 52 patches to be completed by April 2025.
A cattle grid register was developed, with maintenance and repairs prioritised to ensure safe and reliable rural access for livestock movement and property access.
Resheeting of Blackbox Road and Narran Lake Road completed.
Vehicle replacements and plant maintenance continued, including major repairs of the Brewarrina Garbage Truck and preparation of Komatsu Dozer for collection which is currently being repaired in Gunnedah. Council have also purchased three new Toyota Hilux Utilities and started the Tender for Replacement of the Garbage Truck, and the major refurbishment completed of the Paveliner road patching machine. Regular plant sheet audits ensured fleet safety and compliance.

Community Projects and Engagement:

Endorsement of the Four Mile Redevelopment Project to proceed to detailed design and tender documentation following positive community feedback. This project aims to enhance recreational facilities, river access upgrades, and family friendly amenities, increasing tourism appeal and community use. Funded under the State Government Community Assets Repair Program.
Successful community event support, including the ‘Stars on Ice – Brewarrina Blizzard’ event, which transformed the town into a winter wonderland and attracted visitors from neighbouring regions.
2025 Australia Day Awards, Ceremony and Ambassadorship showcasing and acknowledging our vibrant community.
Continued planning and initial works for the expansion of the cemetery to increase capacity and ensure dignified resting places for future generations with capital works planned at Brewarrina and Weilmoringle Cemeteries in April 2025.

Policy and Governance Improvements:

Adoption of updated policies including the Domestic Violence Leave Policy, Right to Disconnect Policy, and Leave Policy in alignment with the Local Government (State) Award 2023. These policies demonstrate Council’s commitment to employee welfare and work-life balance.
Endorsement of the Crown Reserves Plan of Management and submission to NSW Crown Lands for approval. This plan aims to ensure the sustainable management and future development of Crown Reserves within the Shire, unlocking grant opportunities for further development. Supported by a $100,000 grant from NSW Crown Lands.
Quarterly Budget Reviews and monthly Bank Reconciliation & Investment Reports ensuring sound financial governance. These measures support financial transparency and accountability, enabling informed decision-making.
Audit Risk and Improvement Committee formation has been initiated and expressions of interest called for external members.
Adoption of internally restricted assets to ensure financial stability and strategic resource allocation, safeguarding funds for future infrastructure projects and potential emergencies.

Financial Performance:

Annual Financial Statements and Audit Report for 2023/2024 endorsed, reflecting compliance with statutory requirements and sound financial management. The audit confirmed the Council’s robust financial position and prudent management practices.
Adoption of internally restricted assets and approval of the September 2024 Quarterly Budget Review. These actions ensure that Council maintains financial reserves for future projects and unforeseen expenses.
Adoption of the 2023/2024 Annual Report at the Ordinary November Council Meeting 2024.

Human Resources and Work Health & Safety:

Ongoing recruitment and training efforts to address vacancies and skill development across Council operations. These initiatives aim to build a skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality services.
Emphasis on staff wellbeing through the adoption of the Right to Disconnect Policy and Work Health & Safety protocols. Council is committed to creating a supportive and safe work environment for all employees.
Safety audits were conducted across Council depots and worksites, focusing on chemical storage practices and plant operation safety. Risk assessments were standardised to ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation.

Economic Development and Tourism:

Preliminary discussions initiated on establishing a Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) facility to support youth engagement and community activities. Potential sites near the school and community spaces were identified for future consideration.
Tourism promotion efforts included signage improvements at key cultural landmarks like the Brewarrina Fish Traps, enhancing visitor experience and increasing regional tourism appeal.
Ongoing development of partnerships with local businesses to strengthen the Shire’s economic base. This included facilitating business development workshops and providing assistance with grant applications.
Collaborative projects were launched with local artisans and cultural groups to promote Indigenous culture and arts, attracting visitors and stimulating local economic activity.
Draft Housing Strategy and Local Environmental Plan (LEP) Review endorsed by Council and being finalised.
Draft Active Transport Strategy endorsed by Council and being finalised to provide to Transport for NSW. $4 million in funding already secured as a result of this strategy.

“While not as exciting as our major projects like Main Street and Four Mile, but just as significant, we’ve undertaken broad policy, governance, human resource and WHS improvements, reinforcing our commitment to our team, and financially, we are in a robust financial position thanks to our sound management practices,” added Mr Kirby.

“Looking to the next few months, upcoming priorities include finalising the Regional Housing Plan, advancing transport projects, and progressing further with major infrastructure developments. We also expect to complete a number of key projects in the community, including the Weilmoringle footpaths and Goodooga Splash Park,” concluded Mr Kirby.