Council Meeting Highlights - March
03 April 2025
Warren Shire’s Ordinary Council Meeting was held on Thursday 27 March 2025. Highlights from this meeting included:
WARREN TOWN FLOOD STUDY
Council has approved Hydrospatial Pty Ltd's quotation of $211,420 (GST inclusive) to conduct the Warren Town Flood Study. This essential investigation will assess flood risks and inform future planning decisions to improve community safety and infrastructure resilience. The study will provide the necessary information to the Insurance Council of Australia’s National Flooding Information Database. Insurance companies rely on this database for the information that they use to set prices of insurance premiums and Council hopes this will eventually see a reduction in insurance premiums for residents living within the Warren Town Levee area.
USED MOTOR OIL COLLECTION AND RECYCLING CONTRACT
Council has awarded the NetWaste Used Motor Oil Collection and Recycling contract to Sam's Waste Management. The two-year agreement includes options for two additional 12-month extensions. This arrangement ensures continued environmentally responsible disposal of used motor oil throughout participating Council areas. The General Manager has been authorised to execute the necessary contract documentation.
WASTE MANAGEMENT GRANT APPLICATION
Council's application for the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy Litter Prevention Grants programme was unsuccessful. However, our Health and Development Services Manager is pursuing alternative funding opportunities to support the planned Tip Shop Shed, Waste Oil deposit facility, and Drum Muster compound.
CYBER SECURITY MEASURES
Council is strengthening its digital resilience by improving the Business Continuity Plan to address cyber security threats. The Divisional Manager of Finance & Administration is currently reviewing infrastructure requirements and developing a comprehensive Cyber Security Plan. These important updates will ensure Council operations remain protected against digital disruptions and that essential services can continue uninterrupted during potential cyber incidents.
WARREN CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL PROMOTION
Council's Economic Development and Visitation Manager has collaborated with the Warren Chamber Music Festival to create a promotional video for the upcoming event. The video has been distributed to Council's Management Executive team for wider circulation. Community members interested in attending this significant cultural event are encouraged to watch the video by accessing the Warren Chamber Music Festival website (with a link to ticket purchasing) or via Council’s media channels. Tickets for all events during the festival are available at the Council’s Administration Building.
REGIONAL DROUGHT RESILIENCE TOURISM INITIATIVE
Council has approved a significant regional collaboration with Bogan and Coonamble Shire Councils to enhance drought resilience through tourism development. The three Councils will establish a Project Steering Committee with our Mayor and General Manager as representatives, while our Economic Development and Visitation Manager will lead the tri-party arrangement.
Council has endorsed the Regional Resilience Plan 016 (2024 edition), acknowledging it as a dynamic document that will evolve with changing environmental conditions.
The tri-Council partnership will utilise $300,000, from the NSW Government’s Drought Resilience Planning Program, to establish our region as a premier nature-based tourism destination, with project deliverables aligned with the collaborative vision of the three participating Councils.
CEMETERY POLICY REVIEW
Council reviewed its Cemeteries Policy as required by the Local Government Act 1993, which automatically revokes such policies 12 months after Council elections. The Policy provides essential guidelines for cemetery management throughout the Shire, ensuring operations comply with regulations and maintain appropriate standards of conduct. Only minor grammatical and content changes are proposed in the updated Policy. As these amendments are not substantial, extensive public consultation has been deemed unnecessary.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS IMPROVEMENTS
Council is actively addressing mobile coverage issues through bi-monthly Telstra consultations and participation in the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review. A professional audit has identified specific black spots across the Shire, with this data now supporting Council’s submission to Round 8 of the Federal Mobile Black Spot programme.
DESTINATION MACQUARIE MARSHES TASKFORCE
Council's Destination Macquarie Marshes Taskforce is making significant progress. The Economic Development and Visitation Manager has completed the draft Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2028, which was endorsed by the Taskforce on February 19th. Following this milestone, additional community representatives and organisations will be invited to join the Taskforce to help implement the newly developed strategic framework. Development is underway for a dedicated Discover Macquarie Marshes Logo and updated Discover Macquarie Marshes marketing brochure.
VICTORIA PARK FEMALE FRIENDLY AMENITIES CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Construction of the new Female Friendly Amenities Block at Victoria Park is progressing well and remains on track for completion by early May 2025. Recent milestones include the acceptance of shop drawings for the walls and roof frame, with installation of these structural elements now complete. Wall lining, roof sheeting and cladding work commenced in early March.
Artistic elements of the project are also advancing, with custom aboriginal artwork for the facility doors now 50% complete. This new amenities block will provide much-needed modern facilities to support female participation in sports and recreation at Victoria Park.
The next Council Meeting will be held Thursday 24 April 2025.
-ENDS-
Enquiries:
Gary Woodman
General Manager, Warren Shire Council
council@warren.nsw.gov.au
Ph: (02) 6847 6600