25 June, 2026

Integrated Planning and Reporting - Operational Plan 2026/27 and Fees and Charges 2026/27 adopted

Council’s Operational Plan 2026/7 and Fees and Charges 2026/7 have been adopted following a period of public engagement.

The Operational Plan details the works and services that Council intends to undertake during the next financial year. The Fees and Charges schedule contain details on all fees Council intends to charge and recover for services provided, other than services provided on an annual basis, which are covered by an annual charge.

After these documents were placed on public exhibition, some minor amendments were made in response to employee and councillor feedback and additional information made available, including Office of Local Government circulars. No submissions were received during the period of 28 days.

Community engagement included issuing a media release, placing the documents on Council's website, and making hard copies available in Customer Service at Council’s Administration Building. The exhibition period was also promoted on radio and on social media.

The adoption of the Operational Plan and Fees and Charges Schedule will assist Council in undertaking its principal activities as outlined in the 2025/26 – 2028/29 Delivery Program within the resources available under the Resourcing Strategy. The documents are available on Council’s website.

Mayor and councillor fees determined

The mayoral and councillor renumeration for the 2026/2027 financial year have been endorsed by Council.

The annual mayoral fee was set at $42,030 and annual Councillor fees were set at $19,590. These fees are effective from 1 July, 2026 for the ensuing 12-month period. The mayor receives both a mayoral fee and a councillor fee.

The fees are based on recommendations by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, and the determination was conducted under sections 239 and 241 of the Local Government Act 1993 after a comprehensive review by the Tribunal.

For each council category, the Tribunal sets the minimum and maximum annual fees payable to mayors and councillors. Gunnedah Shire Council is classified as ‘Rural Large”.

Draft Asset Disposal Policy on public exhibition

Council’s draft Asset Disposal Policy is on public exhibition for 28 days.

Staff undertook an extensive review of the current policy, assessing the policy against current legislative requirements, contemporary best practice, and Council’s operational needs and confirmed that the existing policy effectively addresses all key legal and practical considerations.

The Policy has been operating effectively and is considered fit for purpose in its current form.

The draft Asset Disposal Policy is on public exhibition at Council’s office at 63 Elgin Street and online at www.gunnedah.nsw.gov.au. Submissions should be received by Tuesday, 21 July, 2026.

Bid to host 2028 Regional Australia Regional Tourism Convention

Council will submit an expression of interest to host the 2028 Regional Australia Tourism Convention and has endorsed a financial contribution of up to $20,000 from the 2027/28 Tourism budget to support this.

The Australian Regional Tourism’s (ART) flagship event draws tourism industry specialists, destination managers, government representatives and regional leaders from across the country to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends, and share best-practice approaches to regional tourism development.

ART plays a key role in promoting sustainable regional development through regionally focused research, destination management planning, product development, marketing initiatives and the development of a skilled tourism workforce.

The Gunnedah Koala Sanctuary is expected to be established and operational by 2028, providing a leading attraction that can be highlighted to national and regional tourism stakeholders as a strong example of nature-based tourism and conservation. Through the convention, Council could also promote the Shire’s broader range of attractions, including its agricultural heritage, events, cultural experiences, and natural landscapes, while demonstrating the capacity and quality of the Shire's great venues with its experienced and dedicated staff.

Hosting such a large event, attracting approximately 150 delegates, would also bring economic benefit to Gunnedah through accommodation, hospitality and more.

The Shire's bid to host the ARTC is supported by Destination Network Country & Outback and Business NSW.

Changing members in Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group

Alex Wharton will be joining Council’s the Sister Cities and Friendly Relationships Working Group as a representative of Gunnedah High School. Cr Linda Newell has resigned, however, four councillors remain in the group.

Vicki Isbester of St Mary’s College Gunnedah will be joining the Gunnedah Community Scholarship Fund Working Group.

Staff are continuing to work with eligible organisations to fill the remaining community and organisational positions in the working group.

Update on Youth Working Group and Youth Consultative Council

A Youth Consultative Council (YCC) has been formed following an inaugural meeting in May.

Gunnedah Shire Council, Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, PCYC Gunnedah and Sora Community Services have formed a Memorandum of Understanding, and members of the YCC will bring back youth-focused ideas to Council’s Youth Working Group for recommendation.

Council has held monthly Youth Working Group meetings to engage members and identify future activities. The concept for the YCC was promoted at Council’s Youth Expo in NSW Youth Week in April.

There are still some vacancies on the Youth Working Group and more young people are encouraged to join the YCC by contacting Council on (02) 6740 2100 or emailing council@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au

Gunnedah Indoor Pool temperature petition

Council received and noted a petition submitted by a Gunnedah Shire resident requesting a temperature increase in the Indoor Pool at the Gunnedah Memorial Pool Complex.

A sign will be installed in a prominent position near the pool specifying the temperature of the pool (28 degrees) and how the temperature is determined, as recommended by Swimming Australia, Swimming NSW and Royal Lifesaving Australia.

Council has been advised that the optimal temperature for swimming is between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius to avoid dehydration, muscle cramps and overheating and to ensure comfort and safety.

Experts who service the heat exchanger also advised Council that operating at the higher temperature was putting pressure on the equipment and shortening its useful life and causing breakdowns.

In addition to maintenance issues, a higher temperature increases the risk of water quality issues, such as water-borne bacteria.

The set temperature offers the best compromise for those swimming laps and those using the pool for other aquatic exercise. It was also noted that the indoor pool is not designed to be a hydrotherapy pool – it operates for a wide range of users.

Caption: There is room for more members in Council’s Youth Working Group and Youth Consultative Council.

ENDS

For more information, contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Communications team on (02) 6740 2100 or communications@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au.