At its Ordinary Meeting held on 24 July 2025, Glen Innes Severn Council considered a range of matters spanning health infrastructure, financial reporting, planning proposals, renewable energy policy, and the future direction of the Australian Celtic Festival.
Green Light for New CT Scanner Facility
Council approved a development application for the establishment of a new CT scanning facility at 148 Church Street, Glen Innes. The application (DA 68/24-25) also included associated building alterations, signage, and external works. No objections were received during the public exhibition period, and the proposal was recommended for approval by Council’s consulting town planner.
The applicant, New England CT has confirmed that the CT scanner, sourced from Germany, has arrived in Sydney and is ready for installation.
Finances Under Pressure
Council’s investments report for June 2025 revealed a negative unrestricted cash position of $3.6 million as of 30 June. This shortfall has been attributed in part to a $2 million reduction in anticipated Financial Assistance Grant funding from the federal government, with only $3 million of a projected $5 million received. The Office of Local Government has been formally advised of the situation.
Council is implementing an immediate action plan to address the issue – part of the plan includes investigating an internal loan of up to $5 million from the Water and Sewer Funds, which would require ministerial approval.
Support for Renewable Energy Benefit-Sharing Guidelines
Council endorsed the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Benefit-Sharing Guideline (November 2024) for large-scale renewable energy projects. The guideline, which applies to wind, solar, and battery developments, outlines minimum recommended community contributions, such as $850 per megawatt per annum for solar projects. Council also requested a further report to explore governance and administration options for a local community benefit fund. An amendment was adopted asking that the report consider options for energy rebates or voucher systems that would deliver direct cost-of-living benefits to local residents.
Planning Proposal to Enable New Rural Dwellings
Council resolved to prepare a planning proposal to amend the Glen Innes Severn Local Environmental Plan 2012 to allow dwelling entitlements on 29 rural lots currently zoned RU1 (Primary Production). The lots were identified following an assessment of 22 submissions covering 68 properties. Eligible properties are over 10 hectares in size, have legal road access, and are not mapped as high bushfire risk, Category 1 vegetation, or strategic agricultural land. If adopted, the proposal may open up new opportunities for rural residential development.
Debate Over Australian Celtic Festival’s Future Model
A lengthy and passionate debate took place around the future format of the Australian Celtic Festival (ACF). Councillor Scott put forward a motion to explore a “Whole-of-Town Activation Model” aimed at broadening the festival’s footprint and increasing economic benefit to the wider community. Suggestions included utilising more town venues and easing accommodation pressure by permitting camping at King George V Oval, citing stagnant attendance since 2008 and rising infrastructure costs at the current site.
However, strong opposition emphasised the importance of the Australian Standing Stones as the festival’s central and iconic location. The motion to explore alternate models was defeated, but Council unanimously agreed to defer the matter to a workshop for further discussion, potentially involving the festival committee and Council’s strategic planning team.
The next Glen Innes Severn Council Ordinary Meeting is scheduled for 9am 28 August 2025.
