The following works are scheduled subject in the period ending Friday 11 July 2025 to weather conditions and unforeseen delays: Jetpatching on Old Grafton Road; General street sweeping around the Glen Innes Township; The Roads Construction Crew will be working on Wellington Vale Road; Maintenance grading is scheduled for Millers Road, Ben Nevis Road, Aqua Park Road, Pitlochry Road, Cameron's Road, Jenkins Road, Marcantelli Road and Waterloo Road; The Heavy Patching Crew will be undertaking urban heavy patching crew will be working on Tablelands Road; The Bridge team will be working on Coxs Road; The drainage team will be working at Emmaville, Ryans…
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,…
Applications are now open for the 2025 White Rock Wind Farm (WRWF) Community Fund, providing local not-for-profit and community organisations with a funding opportunity to support a wide range of projects across the Glen Innes Severn region. A total of $208,020.01 is available this year through the Fund. The initiative supports projects that aim to deliver long-term benefits to the economy, environment or local community. The funding is open to organisations delivering projects in areas such as environmental conservation, cultural events, educational programs and social initiatives. The WRWF Community Fund Committee, comprising representatives from Council and the local community, will…
Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted a revised Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) that includes a cumulative 48.3% Special Rate Variation (SRV) over three years, subject to approval by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). The decision was made during a highly contentious council meeting on Thursday, 19 June 2025. The General Manager described the vote as "probably the most important decision this council will make for a very long time", as the council seeks to address a forecasted $4.7 million deficit and long-term financial challenges. Financial Review Sparks SRV Proposal The proposed SRV follows findings from a Financial…
Glen Innes Severn Council is inviting community members to share their thoughts on the proposed design for the new ANZAC Nature Play Park. The planned nature-themed playground aims to encourage exploration, spark imagination and provide inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. Construction will begin following the current consultation period, which concludes on 9 July 2025. What's Planned? The new playground will replace the existing play space within ANZAC Park, covering approximately 40 x 35 metres. The design embraces a nature play theme, incorporating natural-look materials such as ModWood and powder-coated steel in earthy tones, as well…
Glen Innes Severn Council will consider a revised Special Rate Variation (SRV) proposal at its meeting on 19 June. The revised recommendation follows a six-week community engagement process, “Shaping Tomorrow”, which closed on 6 June 2025. Financial Pressures Prompt Action The Council has reported significant financial pressure in its General Fund, forecasting an average annual operating deficit of $4.7 million from 2025/26 without a rate increase. To help address this, Council has implemented a series of savings measures, identifying more than $600,000 in efficiencies, reducing staff recruitment, and deferring some projects. Additional business improvement measures worth $65,000 annually for five…
The following works are scheduled subject in the period ending Friday 19 June 2025 to weather conditions and unforeseen delays: Jetpatching in the Glen Innes Township, Grahams Valley Road, Old Grafton Road; General street sweeping around the Glen Innes Township; The Roads Construction Crew will be working on Wellington Vale Road; Maintenance grading is scheduled for Glen Legh Road (spring damage and grading), Millers Road, Ben Nevis Road, Aqua Park Road, Pitlochry Road, Cameron's Road, Jenkins Road, Marcantelli Road and Waterloo Road; The Heavy Patching Crew will be undertaking urban heavy patching crew will be working on Tablelands Road; The Bridge team will…
Glen Innes Severn Council has announced it has accepted the donation of a unique sculpture, affectionately known as "Roobot", from Taronga Mines Pty Ltd. The sculpture is proposed to be installed in a public park or space in Emmaville, where it is expected to become a creative focal point for the community and visitors alike. Council acknowledged the donation from Taronga Mines and expressed its appreciation for the gesture, stating that the artwork would contribute positively to the streetscape and support Emmaville’s appeal as a destination known for its heritage, charm, and strong community spirit. Taronga Mines Pty Ltd, a…
Dear Prime Minister RE: An Open Letter to the Prime Minister – When the Bush Pays for the City’s Silence There is a silent crisis unfolding across New South Wales—and it is not just about dollars and cents. It is about the growing divide between communities and their councils, the crushing pressure on local governments to fill widening service gaps, and the toll this broken system is taking on the very people who step forward to lead. Across the state, councils are being forced to consider Special Rate Variations (SRVs)—some in excess of 100%— not by choice, but by necessity.…
Glen Innes Severn Council’s Draft Operational Plan for 2024–25 outlines a range of proposed increases to fees and charges across core services—including waste, water, sewer, development, and community events. These proposed changes come in addition to a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV), which—if approved—would further raise general rates for property owners across the region. While the SRV is still under consultation, the Council has already detailed increases to specific service charges and user fees as part of its strategy to address financial shortfalls and move toward long-term sustainability. As residents consider the full picture, the combined impact of higher rates,…
