Following extensive engagement with our community throughout last year, Council has reviewed and endorsed our new Draft Community Strategic Plan. This draft is the result of countless conversations, surveys and workshops with residents, businesses, community groups and service providers right across the Shire. It truly reflects the priorities you told us matter most: strong services, safe and reliable infrastructure, opportunities for young people and a resilient, connected Shire.

You have helped shaped every element of this plan. By working together, we are ensuring the Brewarrina Shire remains a vibrant place to live, work and visit. The CSP is our roadmap for the coming decade, guiding Council’s decisions and investments so that we build on our strengths, address challenges head-on and foster a sense of belonging for everyone.

I want to thank everyone who took the time to contribute their ideas and feedback. Your voices were instrumental in forming this draft. The Draft CSP is now on public display and available for review and feedback on Council’s website and front counter. This is your chance to provide feedback on the plan. I encourage you to stay engaged as we finalise the plan and begin its implementation. Together, we can create lasting, positive change for Brewarrina Shire.

View the Draft CSP here.

Western Division of Councils Meeting

The General Manager and I attended the recent Western Division of Councils meeting in Cobar in early March, where mayors and general managers from across the region came together to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. Key topics included regional workforce shortages, infrastructure funding, and advocacy priorities for remote councils. Brewarrina continues to play an active role in these discussions to ensure our community’s needs are strongly represented at a state and federal level.

Updated Complaints Handling Policy

Council adopted an updated Complaints Handling Policy to strengthen transparency and improve how we respond to community concerns. The revised policy clearly distinguishes between different types of matters — from simple service requests through to Code of Conduct issues and Public Interest Disclosures — so residents and Councillors know exactly how their concerns will be managed.

The policy introduces a structured four‑stage process covering acknowledgement, assessment, investigation and review, supported by improved timeframes to ensure complaints are handled promptly and consistently. It also outlines when matters may be referred to external oversight bodies such as the NSW Ombudsman, ICAC or the Office of Local Government.

To support good governance, the policy includes new internal reporting requirements, with quarterly updates to the Executive Team and an annual summary published in Council’s Annual Report.

Now endorsed, this new Policy will be enacted and published on Council’s website.

Draft Capital Expenditure Program