Margot Davis

Jul
30
2025
By Newsroom
Local Government Minister Visits Glen Innes

Local Government Minister Visits Glen Innes

Council, Local News, , , ,
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…
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Jul
24
2025
By Newsroom
Councillor Troy Arandale Resigns

Councillor Troy Arandale Resigns

Council, Local News, , , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council has received the resignation of Councillor Troy Arandale, who stepped down from his position effective immediately on Thursday morning. Mayor Margot Davis acknowledged Cr Arandale’s contribution to Council during his almost five-year tenure, during which he also served as Deputy Mayor for a time. “On behalf of Council, I would like to thank Councillor Arandale for his service over almost five years,” Cr Davis said. “Councillor Arandale served as Deputy Mayor for part of his term and, like all councillors, contributed time and effort to the role in service to the community.” Cr Davis, who is…
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Jul
08
2025
By Annette Bain
Rotary Glen Innes Marks 85 Years of Service and Impact

Rotary Glen Innes Marks 85 Years of Service and Impact

Local News, , , , , ,
Unite for Good is the call to action for the Rotary Club of Glen Innes which recently celebrated its 85th Birthday and 2025 Changeover Dinner at the Glen Innes and Districts Services Club. Club President Tim Clifford welcomed members and guests including District Governor George Bruce and Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis. It was an evening of highlights. First, Tim delivered the President’s Report which was comprehensive and a powerful record of the amount of good which Rotary generates. Through Rotary Australia World Community Services  (RAWCS) Rotary delivers humanitarian, development and disaster relief here in Australia and overseas.…
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Jun
23
2025
By Newsroom
One Meeting, Two Outcomes: Council Cancels Its Own Pay Decision

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

Council, Local News, , , , ,
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,…
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Jun
19
2025
By David Lewis
48.3% Rate Rise Endorsed in Heated Council Meeting

48.3% Rate Rise Endorsed in Heated Council Meeting

Council, Local News, , , ,
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…
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Jun
06
2025
By Cr Margot Davis
Open Letter From Mayor Davis to Anthony Albanese

Open Letter From Mayor Davis to Anthony Albanese

Local News, , ,
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.…
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Jun
05
2025
By David Lewis
Council Charges Set to Increase

Council Charges Set to Increase

Council, , ,
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,…
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May
30
2025
By Newsroom
Council Proposes Access Bus Expansion to Improve Transport for Village Seniors

Council Proposes Access Bus Expansion to Improve Transport for Village Seniors

Council, Local News, , , , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council is proposing an expansion of its Access Bus service in a bid to improve transport options for older residents living in the villages of Deepwater, Emmaville, Glencoe and Red Range. Currently operated through Council’s Life Choices – Support Services (LC-SS) program under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), the Access Bus provides eligible residents in Glen Innes with regular transport to essential services and community activities. Feedback from recent community engagement, including the 2024 Glen Innes Severn Council Aged Care and Disability Community Consultation Feedback Report and discussions facilitated through Transport for NSW forums, identified limited…
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May
26
2025
By Newsroom
Cricket Training Nets Upgraded at Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre

Cricket Training Nets Upgraded at Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre

Council, Local News, Sports, ,
Cricketers in Glen Innes now have access to improved training facilities following the completion of upgrades to the cricket nets at the Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre. The project, funded through the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) Glen Innes Indoor Sports Centre Stage Three initiative, included a range of enhancements to the indoor cricket area, with a total project value of $124,178. Key features of the upgraded nets include a new cement slab for a stable playing surface, professional-grade artificial turf, upgraded netting for user safety, rubber surrounds to protect balls and reduce wear, and a low-maintenance design…
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May
16
2025
By Newsroom
Five Ageing Timber Bridges Replaced Across Glen Innes Severn Region

Five Ageing Timber Bridges Replaced Across Glen Innes Severn Region

Council, Local News, , ,
Glen Innes Severn Council has completed the replacement of five timber bridges in the region, as part of works funded under the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges (FCB) Program and the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program. The $5.87 million project included $4.7 million from the FCB Program and $1.17 million from the Bridges Renewal Program. The works were carried out over three years and aimed to improve road safety, connectivity, and flood resilience for local communities. The bridges replaced include the Mann River Bridges on Mount Mitchell Road and Shannon Vale Road, Yarrow Creek Bridge on Mount Mitchell Road, Furracabad…
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