Inverell Shire Council

02/11/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Inverell Shire Council has welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to change its proposed Disaster Recovery Funding Framework. The changes address key concerns raised in Council’s August 2026 submission. Council received an update on the changes at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.

The original proposal would have cut the Commonwealth’s share of eligible disaster recovery costs from up to 75% to a uniform 50%. It would also have lifted the minimum spend needed to access assistance from $240,000 to about $2.7 million. Council’s submission strongly opposed both changes, warning they would shift costs onto the NSW Government and local councils and could leave smaller but locally significant disasters without support.

On 9 October 2026, the Australian Government announced it would:

• Keep the existing cost-sharing arrangements, under which the Commonwealth can contribute up to 75% of eligible recovery costs
• Keep funding for Counter Disaster Operations, such as protecting infrastructure, removing debris and restoring essential access during and after disasters
• Revise the proposed activation thresholds to improve access to disaster recovery assistance.

The announcement has been welcomed by the Australian Local Government Association and Local Government NSW. The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that the existing arrangements will stay in place through the coming high risk weather season.

Mayor Kate Dight said the outcome showed the value of councils speaking up together.

“This is a great result for rural and regional communities like ours. Councils such as Inverell look after huge road, bridge and drainage networks with limited ability to raise revenue. The original proposal would have left our ratepayers carrying far more of the cost when disaster strikes. Council will keep a close watch as the final framework is developed,” Cr Dight said.

Council will continue to monitor developments through the National Emergency Management Agency, the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Local Government NSW.

02/11/2026

𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟏𝟓 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬

The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund will provide $141,969.67 to 15 community groups and organisations across Inverell Shire in Round 2 of 2026.

The Sapphire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund Committee met on Monday, 19 October 2026 and considered 23 applications. The successful projects cover sport and recreation, emergency services, education, health support, heritage, community events and local facilities.

Successful applicants include:
• Inverell Sporties Ltd: upgraded lighting on the greens ($14,090.91)
• Inverell RSM Clay Target Club: rebuilding trap houses ($13,277.27)
• Operation Operating Room Ltd: a tourniquet machine ($11,000.00)
• Gum Flat School P&C Association: the Gum Flat Community Play and Imagination Village ($18,755.00)
• North West Mower Racing Association: purchase of a box blade ($2,500.00)
• VRA Rescue NSW (Inverell Rescue Squad): battery powered rescue tools ($20,000.00)
• Ashford Memorial Bowling Club: replacing the lights on the bowling green ($14,000.00)
• Community College Northern Inland: a hospitality training hub ($5,000.00)
• Inverell Junior Touch Football Association: representative uniforms ($7,920.00)
• Bonshaw Campdraft Committee: yard improvements ($9,117.90)
• Inverell Hockey Association: umpire communication and development ($3,620.00)
• Inverell Saints Football Club: game balls ($5,000.00)
• National Transport Museum: an insulated awning and screened barbecue area ($13,590.91, subject to a final quote)
• Sapphire Social Committee: a speaker system ($2,279.50)
• Inverell Breast Cancer Support Group: marketing and advertising materials ($1,818.18)

Mayor Kate Dight said the funding would make a real difference to organisations that support the community every day.

“This round reflects the strength of community spirit across our Shire. Many of these groups rely on volunteers and fundraising. This funding helps them deliver projects that might otherwise take years to achieve. I congratulate all of the successful applicants,” Cr Dight said.

Round 1 of 2027 opens on Monday, 11 January 2027 and closes on Friday, 19 February 2027. Community groups planning projects are encouraged to start preparing their applications now.

01/11/2026

𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

✨ Every community has people who quietly make a difference ✨

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make our community a better place? Now is the time to recognise their hard work, dedication, and positive impact.

Whether they volunteer their time, support local initiatives, inspire others through leadership, or contribute through sport, culture, or community service, we want to hear about them!

𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕
⭐ 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 (open to persons 21 years or older on 26 Jan 2027)
⭐ 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 (open to persons under 21 years on 26 Jan 2027)
⭐ 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧
⭐ 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙔𝙚𝙖𝙧 (Events within Inverell Shire LGA held no earlier than 27th January 2026)

Nominations are open from 𝟗𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 and will close at 𝟒:𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟕 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

Forms can be collected from Inverell Shire Council Administration Centre, Tourism Inverell, or Inverell Shire Public Library.
Alternatively, forms are available on our website www.inverell.nsw.gov.au

Together, we can celebrate the people who make our region a better place to live, work, and connect.

30/10/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬

Inverell Shire Council wishes to advise that, weather permitting, bitumen resealing works will be undertaken 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟏 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 - 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟒 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 in the following locations.

🚧 Howell Rd

The works will be under traffic control and speed restrictions will be in place. Short delays can be expected. Members of the public are requested to exercise care and consideration when travelling through the worksites.

All enquiries should be directed to Council’s Civil and Environmental Services Division on (02) 6728 8200.

30/10/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

Inverell Shire Council has endorsed the 2026/2027 Culvert Replacement Program, allocating $493,525 from the Roads to Recovery Program to replace priority pipe culverts across the Shire’s rural road network.

Council manages 4,210 pipe culverts across rural sealed and unsealed roads. These structures direct surface water beneath the road network, helping to protect road pavements and maintain safe and reliable travel conditions.

Many of the Shire’s culverts were constructed more than 70 years ago and are now reaching the end of their useful lives. Cracking and pipe separation can reduce drainage capacity, cause sediment build-up and allow water to enter the surrounding pavement, potentially resulting in pavement damage, road failures and safety hazards.

Mayor Kate Dight said the program represented an important investment in the safety and resilience of the Shire’s road network.

“Culverts are essential to protecting our roads from water damage, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. By replacing ageing infrastructure before it fails, Council is taking a proactive approach that improves safety, protects the broader road network and delivers better long term value for our community”.

Priority sites were identified through Council’s asset condition data, customer requests and field assessments by qualified and experienced staff. Routine inspections and monitoring during significant rainfall events also informed the program by identifying deterioration, sediment build-up and other issues requiring attention.

Polypropylene pipes will be used where appropriate, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional reinforced concrete pipes and enabling installation efficiencies that help Council maximise the available funding.

Council’s construction teams will deliver the program, supported by contractors where required. Works are scheduled to commence in November 2026 and be completed before the end of the 2026/2027 financial year.

The program will renew ageing drainage infrastructure, reduce the risk of water related pavement damage and support the ongoing safety and reliability of the Shire’s rural roads.

30/10/2026

30/10/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟑𝟕

Inverell Shire Council has adopted its Road Asset Management Plan 2026–2037, establishing a long-term framework to guide the management, maintenance, renewal and funding of the Shire’s road network.

The draft Plan was exhibited alongside Council’s Transport Study from 11 June to 7 September 2026. The extended 12-week consultation period provided residents, road users and stakeholders with additional time to review the document and provide feedback.

A total of 118 submissions were received through the consultation process. Most related to specific roads, intersections, maintenance issues, safety matters or requested infrastructure upgrades. These matters will be considered through Council’s Transport Study, operational investigations and works prioritisation processes.

The feedback reinforced key priorities already recognised in the document, including the performance of the unsealed road network, material quality, changing freight and traffic demand, safety and accessibility, critical access, and transparent risk based prioritisation.

The adopted Plan provides an evidence based approach to managing Council’s road assets over the next decade. It brings together asset condition, service levels, lifecycle management, renewal requirements, risk considerations and long term funding implications to support safe, sustainable and financially responsible decision making across the road network.

Council thanks everyone who took the time to review the draft Plan. The submissions will continue to inform transport planning, operational investigations and future capital works considerations.

30/10/2026

⛔ 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄: 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 ⛔

Inverell Shire Council wishes to advise that the Inverell Landfill & Ashford Waste Transfer Station will be 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟑 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 due to the Annual Council Picnic Day.

Council apologises for any inconvenience caused and for further information please contact Council’s Civil and Environmental Services division on 02 6728 8200.

29/10/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬

Inverell Shire Council wishes to advise that, weather permitting, bitumen resealing works will be undertaken Friday 30th October 2026 in the following locations.

🚧 Yetman Rd, north of Graman

The works will be under traffic control and speed restrictions will be in place. Short delays can be expected. Members of the public are requested to exercise care and consideration when travelling through the worksites.

All enquiries should be directed to Council’s Civil and Environmental Services Division on (02) 6728 8200.

29/10/2026

𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒, 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐊𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐘 – 𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐄𝐗𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Council at its Ordinary meeting on the 28 October 2026 endorsed the Draft Cemetery Monuments, Flowers and Trinkets Policy for the purpose of community consultation. The Draft Cemetery Monuments, Flowers and Trinkets has been developed to assist with the installation and alteration of memorials and the management of Council's cemeteries. The draft policy provides a documented and consistent framework for the assessment of memorial applications and the management of flowers, trinkets, ornaments, plants and other items placed within cemetery grounds

Subsequently the Policy has been placed on public exhibition from Thursday, 29 October 2026 until the close of business on Friday, 27 November 2026.

The Draft Cemetery Monuments, Flowers and Trinkets Policy is available on Council’s web page or at Council’s Administration Building, 144 Otho Street, Inverell.

Written submissions on the Draft Cemetery Monuments, Flowers and Trinkets Policy will be received up until close of business on Friday, 27 November 2026.

Please forward your submissions to the General Manager at Inverell Shire Council PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 or by email [email protected] Alternatively an online submission can also be made via the Inverell Shire Council web page www.inverell.nsw.gov.au

Should you require any further information please do not hesitate contacting Council’s Civil and Environmental Services Division on 02 67288 200.