Council

Another Strategy, Another Survey – You Can ‘Shape the Future’

Another Strategy, Another Survey – You Can ‘Shape the Future’

Economic Development Strategy & Destination Management Plan Glen Innes Severn Council has once again brought in outside consultants – SC Lennon & Associates –fully funded, through a grant, to review and rewrite the town’s Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan. The idea is to build on the last set of documents and produce something “visionary, practical and evidence-based”. According to Council, these two shiny new strategies will steer the region’s economic and tourism priorities for the next five years. In other words, another round of big-picture plans that may, or may not, translate into actual projects on the ground.…
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Building Drought Resilience in the High Country

Building Drought Resilience in the High Country

A new Northern New England High Country Regional Drought Resilience Plan has been released, aiming to help communities across Glen Innes Severn and Tenterfield prepare for, withstand, and adapt to future droughts. Developed in partnership with the Department of Regional NSW and CSIRO, and funded under the Future Drought Fund, the Plan recognises that drought doesn’t just hit farmers – it also affects businesses, mental health, and the social fabric of towns. With climate change bringing hotter, drier and longer droughts, the Plan sets out a roadmap to strengthen resilience across five key areas: Community: The Plan calls for stronger…
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Anne Vosper Declared Elected to Council

Anne Vosper Declared Elected to Council

Anne Vosper has officially been declared elected to the Glen Innes Severn Council, following a countback process overseen by the NSW Electoral Commission. The Returning Officer declared her elected on Monday, 1 September 2025, after the countback was uncontested—only one application was received to participate. Under New South Wales electoral law, when a councillor resigns mid-term and was elected through proportional representation, a countback is used to fill the vacancy rather than holding a full by-election. The process re-examines ballot papers from the previous ordinary election to determine which candidate among those not elected previously is next in line, based…
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Council Meeting Summary & Highlights – August 2025

Council Meeting Summary & Highlights – August 2025

Glen Innes Severn Council’s August meeting covered a wide range of issues, including renewable energy, community safety, financial pressures, and future use of public assets. While many decisions passed unanimously, several items sparked debate among councillors. Renewable Energy Submission Council resolved to lodge a submission to EnergyCo NSW calling for the inclusion of existing 132kV transmission infrastructure in the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ). The Mayor said this would give Glen Innes Severn greater certainty for renewable energy developers and could unlock local benefits such as jobs, supply chain opportunities and contributions to community schemes. Councillors spoke in support,…
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Council and Glen Industries to Restore Landfill Corridor

Council and Glen Industries to Restore Landfill Corridor

Glen Innes Severn Council has partnered with Glen Industries to deliver the Glen Innes Landfill Revegetation Project during 2025–2026. The initiative is supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, which has provided $20,000 to Council to help restore the site. The project aims to enhance biodiversity, reconnect wildlife corridors, improve ecological and visual amenity, and strengthen slope stability at the landfill. Mayor Margot Davis said, “We are pleased to be partnering once again with Glen Industries on this important project. Their local expertise and commitment to biodiversity make them an ideal partner as we…
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Monthly Councillor Catch-ups for Glen Innes

Monthly Councillor Catch-ups for Glen Innes

Glen Innes Severn Council is introducing a new opportunity for residents to meet and speak directly with their elected representatives. The initiative, Conversations with Councillors, will be held on the third Thursday of each month from 4 pm to 6 pm at the Glen Innes Highlands Hub. The first session is scheduled for Thursday, 18 September. Council said the monthly event will provide a chance for residents to share ideas, ask questions and raise local issues in an open and respectful setting. “Come along and chat directly with Councillors, share your ideas and feedback, ask questions, and discuss local issues,”…
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Council Works Program – Period Ending Friday 5th September 2025

Council Works Program – Period Ending Friday 5th September 2025

The following works are scheduled  subject in the period ending Friday 5 September 2025 to weather conditions and unforeseen delays:  Jetpatching around Glen Innes Township, Strathbogie Road, Emmaville Township, Emmaville Road, Wellington Vale Road and Deepwater Township; General street sweeping around the Glen Innes Township; The Roads Construction Crew will be working  on Coxs Road and Shaws Road; Maintenance grading is scheduled for Mt Slow Road, Costellos Road, Rayners Road, Newsomes Road, Deepwater Tip Road and Deepwater Township (gravel roads) The Heavy Patching Crew will be undertaking urban heavy patching crew will be working on Tablelands Road; The Bridge team will be working…
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Community Feedback Shapes Final ANZAC Nature Play Park Designs

Community Feedback Shapes Final ANZAC Nature Play Park Designs

Plans for a major upgrade of the ANZAC Park playground are moving ahead, with the project set to transform the existing play area into a nature-themed, inclusive, and engaging space for children of all ages. Consultation on the ANZAC Nature Play Park has now concluded, with Glen Innes Severn Council thanking residents for their input into the project. From 17 June to 9 July 2025, Council received 20 submissions on the proposed designs. The feedback has been reviewed, leading to some adjustments before construction begins. The existing playground will need to be temporarily closed during the build, with Council to…
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Applications Open for 2026 Australian Celtic Festival

Applications Open for 2026 Australian Celtic Festival

The 2026 Australian Celtic Festival is set to return to the Australian Standing Stones in Glen Innes from 30 April to 3 May, promising one of the country’s most unique and immersive cultural celebrations. Glen Innes Severn Council has announced that applications are now open for traders, performers, and clans or societies wishing to take part in next year’s event, which will honour the rich traditions of Scotland. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Glen Innes Highlands for a vibrant program of music, dance, traditional and contemporary Celtic arts, and immersive historical experiences. The 2026 edition…
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Glen Innes Powerhouse: Community Invited to Re-Energise Site

Glen Innes Powerhouse: Community Invited to Re-Energise Site

Glen Innes Severn Council is calling on the community to contribute ideas for the future of the heritage-listed Glen Innes “Powerhouse,” a site rich in local history and industrial character. At its Extraordinary Meeting on 7 March 2025, the Council agreed to subdivide the land at 148 Church Street. The rear portion—approximately 2,335 m²—encompasses the historic former Glen Innes Power Station and its adjoining sealed carpark. Constructed with locally made bricks, the Powerhouse supplied electricity to Glen Innes from 1922 until 1956. It retains impressive architectural and industrial features, including arched windows, corrugated-iron annexes, and rare, partially operable machinery such…
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