Sod turned on major $53M water security project Published on 14 July 2025 Shovels have hit the ground on a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant at Steuart McIntyre Dam. Tagged as: , Mayor and Councillors, Recovery, Water and Sewer
Mayor's Column: Supporting local business Published on 09 July 2025 While it’s welcome news that the state and federal governments have made grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible primary producers and farmers affected by the May floods, small businesses in the Macleay are still waiting for similar support. Tagged as: , Business, Mayor and Councillors, Mayor's column, Recovery
Stuart Street Return and Earn facility upgrade Published on 09 July 2025 The Return and Earn facility at the Stuart Street car park is scheduled for upgrade, with works expected to begin from 14 July, weather permitting. The existing kiosk is currently out of service due to recent flooding. Tagged as: , Carparks, Recovery
Responding to coastal erosion in Grassy Head Published on 03 July 2025 Council will carry out repairs on Friday 4 and Monday 7 July to extend the Grassy Head Reserve beach access ramp, temporarily restoring safe access after erosion rendered it unusable. Tagged as: , Emergencies and Disasters, Recovery, Sports and Recreation
Social shifts. Natural disasters. Can we adapt and thrive? Published on 26 June 2025 As we move into the recovery phase after the May 2025 floods, we continue to hear the stories and recognise the amazing community groups and individuals who step up to support others during tough times. Tagged as: , Recovery
Flood recovery works to start at walking track and Riverside Park Published on 20 June 2025 Flood recovery works are set to begin next week at Verge and Eden Street walking track and Riverside Park, following damage from recent flooding. Tagged as: , Recovery, Sports and Recreation
What’s happening with rates and what if I am struggling to pay? Published on 18 June 2025 Council adopted a 7.5% rates increase for 2025/26, half of the approved Special Rate Variation. Passed by a 5–4 vote, the decision reflects the reality that Council cannot maintain the existing level of services and manage its asset maintenance backlog with the current level of income. Council also noted financial relief measures available to support ratepayers. Tagged as: , Mayor and Councillors, Rates and Finance, Recovery
Mayor's Column: Sunshine, community and connections! Published on 11 June 2025 Who knows what the weather will be doing when you’re reading this – but the glorious sunshine around the June long weekend is worth remembering. It not only helped dry out sodden paddocks and sports fields but also lifted the mood around the shire. Tagged as: , Mayor's column, Recovery, Sports and Recreation
How did the flood impact sports fields? Published on 11 June 2025 While hard surfaces like the Kempsey netball courts have been cleaned fields, there are still some of Council’s 10 bookable outdoor fields that will take significantly longer to dry and repair, such as fields in Gladstone and Smithtown. Tagged as: , Recovery, Sports and Recreation
Toose Road remains closed due to ongoing landslip risk Published on 10 June 2025 Toose Road remains closed due to ongoing land movement following May’s severe weather, with Council progressing with remediation works, which will involve a new road alignment. Tagged as: , Emergencies and Disasters, Recovery, Roads