From the Mayor's Desk: September 2026
09 September 2026
It has been good to see some welcome rain across the Shire and our villages are looking magic as we head into spring.
With the countryside greening up, there is plenty to feel positive about close to home. Work on the Warren Town Levee is nearing completion, our road crews remain busy and yellow-lid bins will soon begin arriving ahead of Warren Shire’s first ever kerbside recycling collection on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
I’ve also spent time outside the Shire making sure our regional priorities remain part of the conversation.
At the Alliance of Western Councils Board Meeting in Cobar, we discussed some big issues for western communities, including water security, reliable telecommunications and the Federal Government Financial Assistance Grants. These grants help Councils like ours keep essential services running, so we’re waiting with interest to see what the proposed new funding formula will mean for rural and regional communities.
I also travelled to Shepparton for the Murray Darling Association National Conference and AGM. With the Murray–Darling Basin Plan under review, it was a valuable opportunity to hear from communities across the Basin. The experiences of the northern and southern Basin may differ, but the people living with these decisions must have a genuine say in what comes next.
I’m also grateful to Deputy Mayor Sarah Derrett and General Manager Gary Woodman for representing us at the Country Mayors Association gathering in Sydney, where they heard from Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese and joined discussions with national and state leaders about housing and other regional priorities.
Whether at home or further afield, we’ll keep working to ensure Warren Shire receives its fair share and our community’s voice is heard.
I look forward to catching up with many of you around the Shire as we welcome the warmer days ahead.
Greg Whiteley, Mayor