Council Meeting Snippets
What happened at the Council meeting — 18 November 2025
A summary of key decisions and items considered by Council. Full minutes, reports and supporting documents are available via the links below.
- Annual Report 2024–25 endorsed — now available on our website.
- Audited Financial Statements 2024–25 adopted; seven-day window for written community submissions.
- September Quarterly Budget Review adopted (Quarter 1 financial performance).
- Community advocacy and submissions progressed on road safety, early literacy, crime prevention and the opal industry.
- Fish Passage — community drop-in sessions held; further updates to follow.
- Quarter 1 progress report received for the 2025–26 Annual Operational Plan (new quarterly reporting format).
- Community Engagement Strategy 2025–2029 adopted following consultation.
- Continued participation in Big Sky Libraries confirmed.
- Community grants and Small Heritage Grants approved.
Corporate and Financial
Annual Report 2024–2025
Council endorsed the Annual Report for 2024–25, which outlines achievements and performance over the reporting period.
View Annual Report
Audited Financial Statements
The 2024–25 Audited Financial Statements were adopted, presenting Council’s financial position to 30 June 2025. Members of the community may lodge written submissions within seven days of the meeting. View statements
Quarterly Budget Review — September 2025
Council adopted the September Quarterly Budget Review. The review reports on income, expenditure and project progress for Quarter 1. The next review (to 31 December 2025) will be presented early next year.
Strategy, reporting and services
Annual Operational Plan — Quarter 1 progress
Council received the first quarterly progress report for the 2025–26 Annual Operational Plan. The new quarterly reporting format aims to improve transparency and accountability. View the Annual Operational Plan.(PDF, 3MB)
Community Engagement Strategy 2025–2029
Following community consultation, Council adopted the Community Engagement Strategy and Community Participation Plan, which set out how Council will engage with residents over the next four years. View the Community Engagement Strategy.(PDF, 9MB)
Big Sky Libraries
Council confirmed ongoing participation in the Big Sky Libraries consortium. Residents retain access to a wide range of digital and in-library services including e-books, e-magazines, online renewals and inter-library loans. You can find out more about Big Sky Libraries by visiting their website or the Walgett or Lightning Ridge libraries.
Community grants and support
Section 356 Community Assistance
- Goodooga – Lightning Ridge CWA
- $1,000 for their annual Pink Breakfast held in October 2025.
- Lightning Ridge Community Church
- $2,000 for the 2025 Community Carols and Fireworks.
For help and advice on grants and grant funding please contact Councils Grants Specialist Andrew Rawsthorne on 0428256299 or arawsthorne@walgett.nsw.gov.au
Small Heritage Grants Program 2025–2026
- Moordale Station Post Office, Cumborah
- $6,000
- Come By Chance School of Arts
- $2,000
- St John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Carinda
- $2,000
- Cooper’s Cottage, Lightning Ridge
- $2,500
Council has been awarded $25,000 through the NSW Heritage Grants Program; funding will be delivered across two rounds over the next two years.
For accessibility: this page summarises key decisions from the Walgett Shire Council meeting held 18 November 2025. Documents and minutes are available via the provided links.