Council Meeting Highlights - April 2025
28 April 2025
Warren Shire’s Ordinary Council Meeting was held on Thursday 24 April 2025. Highlights from this meeting included:
POLICY UPDATES FOR ROAD MANAGEMENT
Council’s Roads Committee considered several policies for advice and future reporting, with proposed changes to the Draft Policies on droving of loose animals on Shire Roads, temporary grazing permits, stock control on Council controlled dedicated public roads, rural and urban vehicular access, and stock grids. Revised drafts will be reported at future Council Meetings for further consideration.
15-YEAR PLANT REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
The 15-Year Plant Replacement Program was reviewed and a substantial backlog in plant replacements acknowledged. It was highlighted that the current replacement budget is insufficient, with only around $850,000 allocated, while an average of $1.3 million is required annually to maintain the program effectively.
REPORTS OF DELEGATES
Council reviewed and considered a total of five reports and minutes from delegates on recent meetings. These included the Alliance Western Councils Board meeting held on 7th March 2025, the NSW Public Libraries Association Central West Zone meeting on 21st March 2025, the Association of Mining & Energy Related Councils (NSW) Incorporated meeting on 27th March 2025, the Annual General Meeting and General Meeting of Outback Arts Incorporated on 31st March 2025, and the Warren Interagency Support Services meeting on 10th April 2025.
POLICY REVIEW PLAN
Council considered 31 policies as part of its comprehensive Policy Review Plan. The majority were adopted with only minor typographical corrections, position names and updates to the Policy Review Clause.
Two policies were significantly amended:
- Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy – Council endorsed adjustments to expense amounts in line with Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal’s (IPART) rate peg increase for the 2025/26 financial year. The updated Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. If no adverse submissions are received during this period, the Policy will be formally adopted.
- Public Interest Disclosure Policy – Council endorsed the first edition of the Public Interest Disclosure Policy. The draft Policy will be placed on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days. Pending no adverse submissions, it will be adopted and scheduled for review every four years or within 12 months following a Council election.
COUNCIL TO ATTEND 2025 LOCAL ROADS CONGRESS
Council approved attendance at the 2025 Local Roads Congress hosted by IPWEA (NSW), to be held on Monday, 2nd June 2025. The Mayor, Greg Whiteley, and Councillors McCloskey and Kinsey, along with the General Manager, Gary Woodman, and Divisional Manager Engineering Services, Sylvester Otieno, will represent Council at the event.
DRAFT 2025/2026 OPERATIONAL PLAN AND DELIVERY PROGRAM ON PUBLIC EXHIBITIONCouncil endorsed the public exhibition of the Draft 2025/2026 Operational Plan, Draft 2025/2026 Estimates, and the Draft 2025/2026 – 2028/2029 Delivery Program. Community members are invited to provide written submissions and feedback by 4.00 pm on Thursday, 29th May 2025.
EV CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE EXPANDED UNDER REVISED PROJECT SCOPE
Council will enter into direct negotiations with Streamline Engineering Group Pty Ltd to install three 22kW chargers at the Windows on the Wetlands Centre, in Dubbo Street (Council Administration Centre), and the Carter Oval Youth Sports Precinct. The revised project will be funded under the LRCI Phase 4 program together with the use of Council infrastructure reserves. Additionally, the Dubbo Street location will be reviewed by the Warren Traffic Committee for parking considerations.
PREFERRED SUPPLIER STATUS FOR SMALL MOTOR VEHICLES
Council approved the formal appointment of all local motor vehicle dealers as the preferred suppliers for small motor vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and utilities, for an additional two-year period, ending 30th June 2027, in line with the approved government discount.
WARREN TEAM PENNING REPRESENTATION ON SHOWGROUND/RACECOURSE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Council approved the modification of the Showground/Racecourse Management Committee composition, increasing the number of members from 16 to 17 to include a representative from the Warren Team Penning Inc.
WARREN LEVEE BANK REHABILITATION & RIVERBANK ROCK ARMOURING WORKS
Council approved the engagement of a suitable contractor for the Warren Levee Bank Rehabilitation and Riverbank Rock Armouring Works project. The tender submitted by MGN Civil Pty Ltd, amounting to $4,164,088.00 (excluding GST), was accepted for the contract. Additionally, Council authorised the affixing of the Seal of Council to the contract for the project.
The next Council Meeting will be held Thursday 22 May 2025.
-ENDS-
Enquiries:Gary Woodman General Manager, Warren Shire Council
gary.woodman@warren.nsw.gov.au
Ph: 02 6847 6600
Download April 2025 Council Meeting Highlights.