18 August, 2026
Proposed support for Swimming Gunnedah Debutante Ball
A resolution to financially support the Swimming Gunnedah 2026 Debutante Ball is on public exhibition for 28 days.
The resolution to reimburse $500 in Cultural Precinct fees for the event can be viewed at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 11 September, 2026.
Proposed contribution to 2026 Local Business Awards, Small Business Month
A proposal to support local business awards and help deliver business events is on public exhibition for 28 days.
The resolution proposes that Council contribute:
- $1,000 toward sponsorship of an award at the 2026 Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce & Industry Local Business Awards; and
- $4,000 toward the Economic Development budget to partner with the Chamber for Small Business Month 2026 collaborative activities and events.
The resolution is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm, Friday, 11 September 2026.
Minster responds to water security concerns
The Honourable Rose Jackson MLC Minister for Water has responded to Council’s concerns over Namoi water supplies.
The letter, addressed to Local Government Chief Executive NSW David Reynolds, contained responses to motions passed at the 2025 Local Government NSW Annual Conference, which included the following:
That Local Government NSW urges the NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) not to supplement water supplies for Local Government Areas by transferring water from catchments outside their boundaries, where such actions could compromise the water security of the source region. Instead, LGNSW advocates for the exploration and funding of alternative water solutions—such as the construction of new dams, advanced water recycling technologies, and other sustainable supply options.
Minister Jackson’s response acknowledged a commitment to improving long-term water security in the Tamworth region through both infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions and stated that the Department was progressing a full business case for an advanced water treatment plant in Tamworth that could recycle waste from agricultural processors.
In response to concerns expressed by Gunnedah Shire Council and other councils, the Minister stated that additional hydraulic modelling had been undertaken to assess impacts on the Namoi regarding a proposal to build pipelines that would connect the city to Keepit or Split Rock Dams in the west and/or the Manning Valley in the east, as well as new water storages.
‘It is important to note that at this stage, no decisions have been made as to whether any of the options will progress to a rigorous full business case, where detailed investigation and community and stakeholder engagement would occur,’ she wrote.
Council notes that while it is good to see that the Department has undertaken additional hydraulic modelling, Council will continue to advocate on behalf of the community to ensure the water security of the Gunnedah Shire is protected and maintained.
Council welcomes government’s commitment to financial support
Council will write to Prime Minister and the Local Government Minister welcoming the Federal Government’s recent announcement that recognises the challenges of financial sustainability impacting the Local Government Sector and urge them to progress the Federation Compact.
On 25 July, the Australian Labor Party announced that the Federal Government will enter into a Federation Compact with Local Government, committing to a number of funding opportunities including annual increase in Financial Assistance Grants and expansion of Roads to Recovery to include the purchase of plant, as well as new capabilities to improve outcomes in housing, emergency management and aged care.
The motion does not commit Council to additional operational service delivery. It seeks to strengthen coordinated advocacy to increase Federal Financial Assistance.
Draft Code of Meeting Practice on exhibition
Council endorsed a draft Code of Meeting Practice, consistent with the Officer of Local Government’s 2021 Model Meeting Code and Local Government (General) Amendment (Meetings) Regulation 2026.
Recent changes to a new Model Code of Meeting Practice developed by the Office of Local Government and subsequent legislative disallowance required Council to re-adopt its Code of Meeting Practice from June 2025.
The draft Code of Meeting Practice is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 11 September, 2026.
Draft Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 on exhibition
A draft plan detailing providing a strategic framework to guide the sustainable growth and development of the visitor economy across the Gunnedah local government area over the next three years is on public exhibition for 28 days.
Gunnedah Shire’s Destination Management Plan 2026-2029 identifies priority actions, initiatives and partnerships that will strengthen the region’s appeal as a destination, enhance visitor experiences, support local businesses, and contribute to economic development outcomes.
The draft Destination Management Plan is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Tuesday, 15 September, 2026.
Alcohol Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas draft policies on exhibition
Two new policies relating to alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas have been drafted by Council following a review of previous policies.
The existing Alcohol Possession and Consumption - Wolseley Park Policy was adopted on 9 February, 1997 and the existing Alcohol Free Zone – Suspensions Policy was adopted on 19 December, 2001.
The two new policies articulate the framework and process for the establishment of alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas; and the suspension and cancellations of alcohol free zones and alcohol prohibited areas.
Council endorsed a motion that the two existing policies be retired and replaced with the two new policies if no submissions are received during a 28-day exhibition period.
The draft resolution is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Friday, 11 September, 2026.
Financial support proposed for Gunnedah Golf Club Junior Western Open
Council will financially support the Gunnedah Golf Club Junior Western Open over three years if no submissions are received during the public exhibition period.
The resolution to provide $1,000 per annum over three years to the Gunnedah Golf Club is to bolster the event, which is expected to attract 70-80 golfers, in addition to family members, in the future, generating significant visitation for Gunnedah. The event will provide a direct benefit to local accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants and retailers within the Gunnedah Shire.
The resolution is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on Tuesday, 15 September, 2026.
New members for Council working groups
Two of Council’s working groups have new members following Council endorsement.
Bryton Perry, Michelle Sheather and Lisanty Evans will join the Australia Day Working Group as community representatives, and the Crime Prevention Working Group will gain two new members from Homes North Community Housing – Jodie McNamara as the organisation representative and Courtney Styles as the alternate organisation representative.
Small Grants Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Policy adopted
Council has adopted the Small Grants Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Policy, enabling Council to make preparations for the 2026/2027 Section Small Grants Round.
The policy provides a framework for how Council will provide financial assistance to not-for-profit community groups and charitable organisations to assist in delivery of local projects or to assist in funding a new project or one-off initiative.
Council also endorsed the appointment of Councillor Kate McGrath, Cr Robert Hoddle and Cr Cameron Moore to the 2026/2027 Section 356 Small Grants Assessment Panel in anticipation of the 2026/2027 Round opening.
Twelve-month trial to curb feral cat population
Council staff will conduct a 12-month trial to reduce the number of feral cats in the Gunnedah Shire.
The trial will encourage residents in areas with feral cat colonies to trap feral cats, in conjunction with a subsidised cat desexing program to decrease the number of cats able to reproduce. The program will enable owners to be reimbursed for the cost of desexing their cat(s) through the local veterinary clinic.
The endorsed Council motion was prompted by an increase in the presence of feral cats, particularly within the Gunnedah township.
Council to invest unspent funds in Community Safety, Youth Space design
Unspent funds from the Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility upgrade project will be invested in further works at the facility, surveillance equipment, and seed funding for Council's Youth Space Concept Design.
An allocation of $300,000 will enable further works to be undertaken at the Animal Impound Facility to improve security and ensure it is compliant.
Works will include:
- The installation of an automated sliding front security gate;
- The gravel/sheet vehicular impound yard for all-weather access;
- Installation of more security cameras, allowing for a 24-hour monitor and response of the facility;
- More flood lights for the front gate and impound holding yard; and
- Renovation and renewal of the existing after-hours drop boxes, which are nearing end of life.
Council has also endorsed the allocation of $130,000 for a new portable surveillance camera trailer to improve Council’s ability to gather evidence to strengthen investigations to prosecute offenders conducting an increasing number of illicit activities and illegal dumping.
The state-of-the-art equipment is portable so it can be deployed anywhere within the Gunnedah Shire, and can be accessed remotely, providing clear images that will help identify offenders for prosecution.
The $500,000 Whitehaven VPA contribution originally intended for the Animal Impound Facility will be held to provide seed funding for Council's Youth Space Concept Design.
Caption: Further works will be carried out at the Gunnedah Animal Impound Facility.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.
