David Scott – Glen Innes News

Aug

28

2025

Council Meeting Summary & Highlights – August 2025

Council, Local NewsDavid Scott, Glen Innes Severn Council, Margot Davis

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,…

Jul

29

2025

By Newsroom

July Council Meeting Summary and Highlights

CouncilAustralian Celtic Festival, David Scott, Glen Innes Severn Council, Housing and Infrastructure, King George V Oval, New England CT, NSW Department of Planning

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,…

Jun

23

2025

By Newsroom

One Meeting, Two Outcomes: Council Cancels Its Own Pay Decision

Council, Local NewsCarol Sparks, David Scott, Glen Innes & District Community Centre, Glen Innes Severn Council, Margot Davis, Troy Arandale

A plan for Glen Innes Severn councillors to take a pay cut and donate the savings to a local charity was approved—then overturned—all in the same meeting. At the 19 June council meeting, councillors first voted in favour of reducing their pay to the lowest level allowed by law and giving the difference to the Glen Innes & District Community Centre. The plan, proposed by Cr Scott, would have seen nearly $43,000 donated over the next year to help support local people doing it tough. The original proposal was for councillors to be paid about $3,400 less for the year,…

Jun

16

2025

By Newsroom

With a Little Help From our Friends

Local NewsDavid Lewis, David Scott, Friends of the Library, Glen Innes News, Lindy Stevenson, Phil Hine

The team at Glen Innes News has something to smile about, thanks to a generous $3,000 donation from the Friends of the Library Committee. The not-for-profit newspaper, which is run by locals for locals, relies on community support to keep the presses rolling — and this latest contribution is a big boost. Friends Treasurer Lindy Stevenson said the decision to donate was an easy one. “We are so fortunate that we have within our community people who so willingly donate their time and efforts to bring our local news and information at no cost to us all,” she said. “And…

May

01

2025

By David Lewis

Glen Innes Severn Council Under Scrutiny Over $5 Million Overdraft

Council, Local NewsBernard Smith, David Scott, Glen Innes Severn Council, Office of Local Government

A $5 million overdraft facility taken out by Glen Innes Severn Council has drawn criticism from some councillors, who have raised concerns over transparency and compliance with local government procedures. At a council meeting on Thursday, 24 April, General Manager Bernard Smith defended the facility, which was extended by the National Australia Bank in 2024. Mr Smith said the overdraft had been established to manage cash flow while the Council awaited reimbursement for already completed and paid-for grant-funded projects. "Importantly, the facility hasn't been drawn down," Mr Smith told councillors during the meeting. Although Council already had an existing $200,000…

Apr

28

2025

By David Lewis

Council to Consult Community on Possible Rate Rise

Council, Local NewsAndrew Parsons, Bernard Smith, David Scott, Deepwater, Emmaville, Glen Innes Severn Council, Glen Innes Severn Public & TAFE Library, IPART, Margot Davis, Special Rate Variation, Troy Arandale

Glen Innes Severn Council will consult the community on a proposed special rate variation (SRV) that could see rates increase by up to 68.5 per cent over three years, as part of its effort to address long-term financial sustainability. At its Ordinary Meeting held in April, councillors endorsed a number of strategies and plans under the Shaping Tomorrow Community Engagement Program. The program will gauge ratepayer sentiment on future planning priorities and potential SRV options. The community consultation period will run until 6 June 2025, with a final decision to be made at the Council’s meeting on 19 June. The…

Feb

24

2025

By Newsroom

Council To Investigate Local Clean Energy And Carbon Technology

Council, Local NewsDavid Scott, FOGO, Glen Innes Severn Council, Seata

At the most recent Ordinary Council meeting, Glen Innes Severn Council approved a motion directing council officers to prepare a report outlining the potential costs, benefits, and risks of investing in or forming a public-private partnership with local technology innovator, Seata. Seata, who have their research and development centre on West Furracabad Road in Glen Innes, have developed clean energy and carbon sequestration technology that uses advanced thermal treatment of carbon-based wastes diverted from landfill into valuable commodities. This patented carbon negative technology has the potential of locking up carbon in the form of Biochar, producing a synthetic gas (Syngas)…

Nov

19

2024

By Newsroom

Seventh Councillor Announced

Council, Local NewsAnne Vosper, David Scott, Elena Weatherall, Glen Innes Severn Council, Rob Banham

Mr David Scott has been named as the successful final candidate in the Glen Innes Severn Council election. After the shock resignation of Rob Banham shortly after having been sworn in, unsuccessful candidates were given the opportunity for another run at a vacant position in a “count back” election. The count back election took place at 11 o’clock this morning, with David Scott being declared the successful candidate shortly thereafter. Also participating in the count back election was Anne Vosper who was ultimately unsuccessful. Elena Wetherall did not apply to be considered for the count back election. Newly declared councillor…