Inverell Shire Council has wrapped up its final Ordinary Council Meeting for 2025, with a broad agenda covering governance, community initiatives, infrastructure investment and advocacy outcomes.
The meeting opened with Councillors observing a minute’s silence in recognition of the tragic events that occurred in Bondi earlier in the week, reflecting the community’s shared sense of loss.
Council received the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) Annual Report, presented by committee chair Phil Schwenke, providing an overview of governance, risk management and improvement activities undertaken during the year.
Advocacy outcomes were also highlighted, with Council reporting success at the Local Government NSW Annual Conference, held in Penrith from 23–25 November. Delegates supported reform aimed at providing councils with broader investment options, a move Council says will benefit long-term financial sustainability.
Several governance matters were progressed, including the formal adoption of the new Code of Meeting Practice following a period of public exhibition. Council also appointed a new independent ARIC member, who will commence a four-year term from 1 January 2026.
Strong support for youth and community sport featured prominently, with Council committing to back the 2026 Rale Rasic Joey’s Mini World Cup. Councillors also formally adopted the 2025–2030 Inverell Shire Youth Strategy and Action Plan, setting a long-term framework to guide youth engagement and development across the Shire.
Education and road safety were addressed through Council’s endorsement of a “Kiss and Ride” concept for further investigation at Ross Hill Public School, aimed at improving traffic flow and student safety during peak times.
Infrastructure investment remains a priority, with Council endorsing the 2025–26 Heavy Patching Program, along with funding for asphalt renewal and line marking in Otho Street parking lanes through the Urban Works budget. Council also received confirmation of funding for a safety upgrade at the Wood Street and Evans Street intersection.
Updates were provided on major projects, including continued works on the Inverell Sewerage Treatment Plant upgrade, and Council received a report on the NSW Government’s response to the Inquiry into RFS assets, premises and funding.
Health advocacy was also on the agenda, with Council supporting ongoing efforts to attract a senior doctor to Inverell Hospital.
Other items of note included Council’s intention to proceed with public exhibition of a proposed licence agreement with Inverell Sporties for the existing carpark, and attendance by Council delegates at the NSW Public Libraries Association Annual Conference and AGM.
Inverell Shire Council will hold its next Ordinary Council Meeting on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
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