December 2025 Council meeting briefs
Published on 15 December 2025
Policy Review – Risk Management Policy
Two Council policies are on public exhibition for 28 days:
- Risk Management Policy
- Revised Permanent Road Closures
An updated Risk Management Policy has been developed in line with recommendations from a review of Council’s risk management framework and Audit, Risk, and Improvement Committee (ARIC) recommendations.
The draft Policy was considered by the ARIC at a meeting on 2 December 2025 in line with the Guidelines for Risk Management and Internal Audit for Local Government in NSW.
Key changes to the revised Permanent Road Closures Policy include improved clarity, updated roles and responsibilities, and the introduction of a potential application fee for road closure requests – consistent with several other Councils – to ensure that the administrative costs are recovered from the applicant.
The revised Medical Professionals Accommodation Support Policy has been deferred until the February 2026 meeting.
The Risk Management and the Permanent Road Closures policies are on public exhibition for 28 days at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah and on Council’s website:
www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition
Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on 8 January, 2026.
Minor Local Government Boundary Adjustment – Narrabri Shire Council
Lot 2 DP 1249799 located near Boggabri will be transferred from Gunnedah Shire Council to Narrabri Shire Council, following Council endorsement.
The owners requested that the Local Government Boundary be adjusted so that Lot 2 is contained in the Narrabri Shire Local Government Area (LGA).
The following actions were endorsed:
- That Council inform Narrabri Shire Council that it has no objection to the transfer of Lot 2 DP 1249799 from Gunnedah Shire Council to Narrabri Shire Council.
- That Council does not include the standard provisions for the payment of any outstanding rates and charges in the Proclamation.
- Following the Proclamation, a further report be presented to Council to write off the outstanding rates and charges against Assessment 13334700.
Close out of LED Sign project at Kitchener Park
Council resolved to remove the non-functioning 3G electronic events sign at Kitchener Park and not replace it with a new LED Sign at the park. Surplus project funds will be returned to General Fund Unrestricted Cash to close out the project.
New Landfill Cell, Stormwater Upgrade and Additional Works
Council endorsed the commencement of a new Landfill Cell, Stormwater Upgrade and Additional Works at the Gunnedah Waste Management Facility.
Council resolved to allocate funds of $5,000,000 from the Domestic Waste Management Externally Restricted Cash Reserve to this capital works budget. One million dollars will be allocated to the 2025/26 capital works budget and $4,000,000 will be allocated to the 2026/27 capital works budget. The new cell will provide approximately an additional 15 years of filling.
2025/2026 Section 356 (Community and Sport) Small Grants Panel Recommendations
Almost $45,000 in funding has been allocated to community and sporting groups under the 2025/2026 Section 356 (Community and Sports) Small Grants program.
Gunnedah Pre-School, Gunnedah Wood Workers Incorporated, Gunnedah & Districts Liquor Accord, Multicultural Women’s Association and Gunnedah Family Support will share in $32,225.36 (GST-exclusive) for projects including recycled soft fall for a playground, the Gunny Get You Home initiative, and household items for a community laundry and outreach.
Gunnedah Junior Rugby Union, Gunnedah Netball Association and Gunnedah Touch Association will share in $12,482.38 (GST-exclusive) for projects including player costs for a New Zealand rugby union tour, a geotechnical report for court redevelopment, and sound and media equipment.
The Section 356 Small Grants program will undergo a review in 2026.
Gunnedah Memorial Pool – New Capital Projects
Three new capital project works at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex have been given the green light.
Council will spend $7000 on a bird control laser to deter ducks from the pool to reduce resources needed to clean up the facility each day and lessen the health risk to pool users.
Efforts to have the ducks relocated by wildlife groups have been unsuccessful and Council’s research identified that bird control devices that use laser beams are the most effective options to deter ducks and other birds from specific areas. There is no effect on neighbouring properties or their dogs.
Council also approved the allocation of $35,000 to remove and exchange the filter sand for the heated 25-metre pool. The current system is using sand media that is approximately 12-15 years old and is negatively impacting on filtration, which can be evidenced by water cloudiness and an oily appearance. This also increases the number of days needed to rectify water quality, which has resulted in pool closures.
Replacement of the media will significantly improve water quality and reduce the need for excessive chemical treatment to balance levels. The future replacement of the media will also be included in long-term financial plans.
A robotic lawn mower will be purchased for $50,000 and utilised at the pool complex following service reviews for the parks and gardens and swimming pool business units. The mower will allow for greater efficiency, while also reducing Work, Health and Safety Risks due to steep slopes and embankments in the complex.
Crown Reserves Improvement Fund Co-Contribution
Council has allocated $75,000 as a co-contribution for an application under the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund for projects at the Gunnedah Showground.
During engagement for the Gunnedah Showground Master Plan, two priority projects were identified. The first was to remove internal overhead powerlines and replace them with underground power services because they are reaching the end of their useful life and it is safer.
The second priority project identified in the master plan was the upgrade of the main arena and rodeo arena lights to LED sports field grade lights because they are longer-lasting and a more energy-efficient option.
Quotes for the delivery of the two priority projects total approximately $750,000. Council is not required to provide a co-contribution; however, applications are looked on more favourably and attract a higher score in terms of delivery if a co-contribution is provided. The anticipated assessment outcome date is May, 2026.
Beeson Road Scoping Study
Following a scoping study, Beeson Road will continue to be maintained as an unsealed road asset and drainage upgrades carried out subject to the finalisation of the cross-road drainage strategy and funding availability.
The study was completed in response to Council resolution 30.2/24 Notice of Motion – Councillor Hoddle – Beesons Road.
Beeson Road connects the Oxley Highway to Milroy Road, passing through rural land, rural residential properties, biodiversity offset areas and National Parks.
Request for Installation of plaque for the Red Rose Foundation
An initiative to raise awareness of domestic and family violence is on public exhibition for 21 days.
Councillors unanimously supported the Red Bench Project following a request by Gunida Gunyah Aboriginal Corporation and the Red Rose Foundation to install a red bench and commemorative plaque in the Gunnedah CBD to serve as a reminder for the need to address violence and support those affected by it.
The proposal is on public exhibition for a minimum of 21 days at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au/index.php/council/the-future-of-gunnedah/draft-documents-exhibition.
Submissions should be received no later than 5pm on 8 January, 2026.
Supply of Gravel Haulage Services (Tender T2526-01)
Council endorsed the following:
- That the tenderers listed below be appointed as suppliers under tender T2526-01 Supply of Gravel Haulage Services for a period of two years from the date of contract execution:
- FarmCrete Pty Ltd ta FarmCrete Civil
- Ivan Willlamson Pty Ltd
The Trustee for the B A & R L Howes Trust
- DNT Earthmoving & Transport Pty Ltd
- Quirang Holdings Pty Ltd
- That a provision be allowed for a single 12-month extension based on satisfactory supplier performance.
- That the General Manager be authorised to execute the contract documents on behalf of Council.
Bitumen Emulsion tanks (Tender T052526GUN)
Council endorsed the following:
- That Downer EDI Ltd be awarded the contract to be the Single Source supplier of bitumen emulsion to Gunnedah Shire Council for the period 1 January, 2026 to 31 December, 2028 and that a provision be allowed for a 12-month extension based on satisfactory supplier performance, which may take this contract through to 31 December, 2029.
- That Downer EDI Ltd be awarded the contract to be the Single Source service provider for the installation and commissioning of a new 15,000 litre bitumen emulsion tank and that Avcon Industrial & Response Pty Limited (via Downer EDI Limited) be awarded the contract to be the Single Source service provider for the tank rectification and decommissioning of the existing unserviceable bitumen emulsion tank.
- That Council approve the allocation of $80,360 from the Plant Replacement Internally Restricted Cash Reserve to enable the project to be delivered.
- That the General Manager be authorised to execute the contract documents on behalf of Council.
Caption: Gunnedah Shire Council will apply for funding to replace overhead power lines with underground power services, and switch-out the main arena and rodeo arena lights for LED sports field grade lights at the Gunnedah Showground.
ENDS
For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au