Local News – Page 28 – Glen Innes News

Aug

02

2025

New England Highway Closed Between Glen Innes and Armidale

The New England Highway has been closed in both directions between Glen Innes and Armidale due to hazardous conditions caused by snow and ice. Transport for NSW has urged motorists to avoid the area altogether and to delay travel where possible. Authorities are also advising drivers to avoid unnecessary travel in the region more broadly. “If you must drive, be careful,” a Transport for NSW spokesperson said. The wintry conditions have created dangerous driving conditions on one of the region’s key transport routes. Motorists are encouraged to monitor traffic updates and weather warnings for the latest information before setting out.

Aug

02

2025

By Newsroom

Glen Innes Helps in Mid North Coast Flood Recovery

Council, Local NewsBernard Smith, Glen Innes Severn Council, jetpatcher, Margot Davis, MidCoast Council, Stephen Crabbe

Glen Innes Severn Council has supported recovery efforts in the MidCoast Council area following the severe flooding event that struck the Mid North Coast in late May. The flood, classified as a 1-in-500-year event, caused widespread damage to infrastructure and local road networks across the region. In response, a coordinated inter-Council support initiative—led by Lake Macquarie City Council—was launched to assist with emergency recovery works. As part of the initiative, Glen Innes Severn Council was contracted to carry out urgent road repairs in the Gloucester area. Council deployed a jetpatcher truck, operated by staff member Stephen Crabbe, to assist with…

Aug

01

2025

By Newsroom

Cabin Fire at Local Caravan Park

Local NewsBlue Sapphire Caravan Park, Fire and Rescue NSW

Emergency services responded to a cabin fire at the Blue Sapphire Caravan Park in Glen Innes on Thursday evening. Fire and Rescue NSW Station 302 Glen Innes was called to the scene at 5:25pm on July 31. Upon arrival, crews were met with heavy smoke coming from the cabin. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the structure with a 38mm hose and were able to bring the blaze under control. The fire was fully extinguished within 30 minutes. Multiple emergency services attended the incident, including the 302 CAFS Pumper, Hazmat Tanker, Police and Ambulance. The cabin’s occupant was not at home…

Aug

01

2025

By Newsroom

Stronger Penalties for Illicit Tobacco

Local NewsBrendan Moylan, Illicit Tobacco

The NSW Government has announced new laws to tackle the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco, drawing support from Northern Tablelands MP Brendan Moylan, who has been advocating for stronger action. The move follows a push by the NSW Opposition, who recently introduced a Bill aimed at making New South Wales the most difficult place in the country to sell illicit vaping and tobacco products. Mr Moylan welcomed the government’s response, saying the reforms are long overdue. “Our regional communities have been calling for change on the sale of illegal vapes and tobacco for months and now the Government is…

Aug

01

2025

By Newsroom

Bushfire Danger Period Begins

Local NewsGlenn Colling, NSW RFS

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) has confirmed that the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) will commence on 1 August 2025 across the Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, and Tenterfield Local Government Areas. From Thursday, fire permits will be required for the lighting of fires in the open. The BFDP marks a period where increased precautions are needed to prevent bush fires, and landholders are reminded to ensure that tasks like burning off vegetation are conducted safely and legally. NSW RFS Northern Tablelands District Manager, Superintendent Glenn Colling, said early planning and preparation can make all the difference in preventing…

Aug

01

2025

By Newsroom

Countback Election to Fill Council Vacancy: Key Dates Announced

Council, Local NewsGlen Innes Severn Council, NSW Electoral Commission, Troy Arandale

Following the recent resignation of Cr Arandale, the NSW Electoral Commission has confirmed that a countback election will be held to fill the resulting vacancy on Glen Innes Severn Council. Under NSW electoral law, a countback election is used when a councillor resigns mid-term and was originally elected through proportional representation. Rather than holding a full by-election, the Electoral Commission reviews ballots from the previous council election to identify which unelected candidate is next eligible to take the seat, based on the preferences expressed by voters at that time. The process avoids the cost and time associated with a fresh…

Jul

31

2025

By Newsroom

Council GM Defends Staff, Urges Unity

Council, Local NewsBernard Smith, Glen Innes Severn Council

Glen Innes Severn Council’s General Manager, Bernard Smith, has issued a public message urging the community to uphold respectful and constructive engagement with Council and its staff. In a statement shared via the Council’s official Facebook page, Mr Smith addressed the challenges of misinformation, personal attacks and a decline in civility, while reaffirming Council’s commitment to the wellbeing of its workforce. The message, that was posted on Facebook on Thursday evening, said: "As General Manager of Glen Innes Severn Council, I’m proud to lead an organisation committed to delivering for our community. This year has started strongly, and following extensive…

Jul

30

2025

By Newsroom

Local Government Minister Visits Glen Innes

Council, Local NewsBernard Smith, Cameron Gaddes, Margot Davis, Paige McLoughlin, Ron Hoenig

The Hon. Ron Hoenig, NSW Minister for Local Government, visited Glen Innes on Tuesday 29 July to meet with Glen Innes Severn Council. The visit began at Glen Innes Town Hall, where Mayor Margot Davis and General Manager Bernard Smith welcomed the Minister for a wide-ranging discussion. Key issues raised included the financial pressures on rural councils, structural challenges, and concerns about the current Special Rate Variation (SRV) process. “Rural councils are expected to deliver core services and infrastructure with increasingly limited resources,” Cr Davis said. “It’s vital that state decision-makers understand the pressures we face and support reforms that…

Jul

27

2025

By Newsroom

Photo Gallery – Glen Innes Marks 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

Local NewsANZAC Park, Glen Innes RSL Sub-Branch

On Sunday morning, members of the Glen Innes community gathered at Anzac Park to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Korean War. Despite cold winds and grey skies, the rain held off as veterans, school representatives, and local residents came together to honour those who served in the conflict—particularly the Australians who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Flags in the memorial park were flown at half mast in tribute. Several wreaths were laid during the service, which was organised by the Glen Innes RSL Sub-Branch.

Jul

26

2025

By Carmen Elvins

History of the Glen Innes Ag Station (Part 1)

Local News, RuralGlen Innes Agricultural Research Station

The Glen Innes Experiment Farm was gazetted in 1901. In his 1901 report, the Chief Inspector of Agriculture emphasised the importance of establishing experimental farms stating "the sites were selected for the purpose of ascertaining (by experiment) the most suitable crops for the district, to collect facts for determination of best times to sow and plant, and various matters of that sort” The Farm set about primarily to study and improve the agricultural and pastoral issues of the New England Tablelands, and to conduct suitable research on such that was deemed too expensive for private landowners. The site was heavily…