Council Meeting Highlights - January 2026
27 January 2026
Warren Shire’s Ordinary Council Meeting was held on Thursday 22 January 2026. Highlights from this meeting included:
IMPROVED ACCESS TO COUNCIL MEETINGS
The January 2026 Ordinary Meeting was the first to be live streamed on Council’s official YouTube channel, providing residents with greater access to Council proceedings. Future meetings will continue to be streamed live, with recordings available to view after each meeting.
AUSTRALIA DAY 2026
Council received an update on preparations for Australia Day 2026, including award judging, ambassador confirmation and event arrangements. Planning is progressing to ensure a well-coordinated community celebration recognising local achievement and contribution.
SUPPORT FOR WARRAAN WIDJI ARTS
Council approved the donation of 2025/26 rates and charges for Warraan Widji Arts (Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated), recognising its contribution to local arts, culture and community connection. It further resolved formal consideration of this support in future years through the Annual Operational Plan.
2025/26 NATIVE FISH RELEASE
Council received an update on the 2025/26 Fish Release Program, noting Council’s continued participation in the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Two Dollar for Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program. The program supports the health of local waterways and native fish populations.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND WORKS
Councillors received updates on progress across roads, town services, plant operations and infrastructure projects, supporting ongoing works and service delivery across the Shire.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Council received an update on development application approvals and works progress within Health and Development Services, supporting orderly planning and regulatory oversight.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Council received an update on library operations, noting continued delivery of community programs, outreach activities and events for residents of all ages. Technology upgrades and staff development were also noted, supporting accessible, modern library services for the Warren community.
REPORT OF DELEGATES RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED
Council received and considered minutes from recent delegate meetings including the General Meeting of the Country Mayors Association of New South Wales Inc. held on 14 November 2025, Warren Interagency Support Services held on 24 November 2025 and Castlereagh Macquarie County Council held on 27th November 2025.
FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY
Council approved a series of budget variations to go through the December 2025 Quarterly Budget Review and received the Statements of Bank and Investment Balances for November and December 2025.
Council also resolved to prepare the Draft 2026/27 Estimates, incorporating a 3.6% general rate increase as determined by IPART, to support responsible financial planning for the year ahead.
The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at 8.30am.
-ENDS-
Enquiries:
Gary Woodman General Manager, Warren Shire Council
gary.woodman@warren.nsw.gov.au
Ph: 02 6847 6600
Download January 2026 Council Meeting Highlights