Council's Weekly Column 2 June 2025

Published on 02 June 2025

King’s Birthday Long Weekend Changes to Council Services

Walgett Council offices, libraries and staffed waste facilities in Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri will be CLOSED on Monday 10 June 2025 for the King’s Birthday public holiday.

Essential services will remain on call throughout the long weekend, and our after-hours line will be available for emergencies or urgent matters. All calls will be assessed and escalated if immediate action is required.

After-hours emergencies: 02 6828 6100

All non-urgent matters will be handled during regular business hours with services returning to normal on Tuesday 11 June 2025.

Playground Upgrade Works – Walgett and Lightning Ridge

Playground improvement works will commence at Gray Park in Walgett from the week of 9 June 2025, with Opal Street Park in Lightning Ridge to follow shortly after.

These works will involve installation of new play surfaces designed to improve safety and provide more engaging play spaces for chil-dren and families.

Please note that both playgrounds will be closed temporarily while works are carried out.. We appreciate the community’s patience during these upgrades.

All works are expected to be completed by the end of June 2025

Walgett Netball Courts

Work is progressing on the new Jenny Wright Netball Courts in Walgett, located behind the PCYC within the Ricky Walford Oval grounds. The concrete slab is scheduled to be poured around 11 June 2025, with construction to be completed later this year.

Collarenebri Race Course / Grandstand

The grandstand project at the Collarenebri Racecourse has experi-enced delays in recent years, but Council is now working closely with contractors to have the project completed by the end of this month, in time for this year’s Collarenebri Races.

Council is working on adding more detailed project updates to our website. We’ll let the community know once these are live, but in the meantime, you can keep an eye on www.walgett.nsw.gov.au for media releases and news updates.

Welcome to the New Faces of the Walgett Shire Council Team

It has been great to see so many new faces joining Walgett Shire Council recently, with several vacant roles now filled. We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new team members and their families.

This week, we are pleased to have Donna Ausling on board as our new Executive Manager – Environmental Strategy, Economy and Partnerships. Donna brings over 32 years of experience in local government and will be in a 12-month temporary role focusing on environmental compliance, strategic planning, tourism and eco-nomic development.

She has previously held executive roles at Narrabri, Liverpool Plains, Tamworth Regional and Parry Shire Councils and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

Donna has chosen Walgett Shire for a new adventure and is looking forward to working with our team and we are thrilled to have her!  

NOTICE COUNCIL ORDINARY MEETING 24.06.2025

Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, that an Ordinary Council Meeting of Walgett Shire Council will be held at 10.00am on Tuesday 24 June 2025 at the Walgett Shire Council Chambers, 77 Fox Street, Walgett, NSW.

The meeting agenda will be available on Council’s website at least three days prior. The open session will be live-streamed and recorded, with the recording accessible on the website. You can find it here: Council Meetings

Members of the public wishing to speak at the Public Forum can only do so by registration via our online form on our website or by contacting Council. Items discussed must be on the agenda for that meeting.

For further information please contact the Executive Assistant on 02 6828 6100 or email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au

ONGOING NOTICES

BIN COLLECTION SERVICES

Bin collection days across the Walgett Shire:

Council reserves the right to refuse collection if bins are not presented as follows:

• Bins must be spaced one metre apart from each other.
• Bins should be placed out the night prior or by 6am on collection day.
• Bins must be positioned away from trees, telegraph poles or other obstacles such as parked cars.
• Bins should not be overfilled or overflowing.
• Unathourised or additional bins may be refused. Most residential properties are entitled to one bin per household.

If you have any further questions regarding the collection service please phone 6828 6100.

WATER METER ACCESS

The Walgett Shire Council requests your cooperation in maintaining clear access to your water meters. This is vital for accurate readings, meter protection, and the safety of our staff.

Failure to access the meter may result in estimated readings, potentially impacting the accuracy of your water usage charges.

Please be mindful of obstacles such as locked gates, unsafe property conditions, aggressive dogs, overgrown gardens, high grass or meters buried under dirt or debris.

For further information contact our  Department on (02) 6828 6100 or email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au

ROAMING DOGS

At Walgett Shire Council, public safety and responsible pet ownership are our top priorities. To address concerns regarding roaming and nuisance dogs, our team conducts regular patrols throughout the Shire.

The Companion Animals Act 1998 states dog owners have a legal obligation to prevent their dogs from escaping the premises. Failure to do so could result in fines if your dog is seized.

Council strongly advises all pet owners to microchip and register their pets to ensure a swift reunion in case of separation.

Let's work together to promote a safe environment for everyone including your pets!

For more details contact Paul Flint on 0418684710 or email admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au

ROAD CLOSURES AND ROAD SAFETY

For the latest road condition updates, please visit our Road Condition Information page. You can also check www.livetraffic.com for road closures, hazards, and other travel alerts.

Council updates its website and social media channels as conditions change.

Road Users are reminded that:

1. They may be liable for any damage that they cause to the road that is closed to their vehicle type.
2. Travelling on roads covered with water is extremely dangerous and should be avoided.
3. Road conditions can change without warning and driver should travel with caution.
4. Unsealed roads damage very easily when they are wet and only essential journeys should be undertaken until these roads dry out.
5. Repairs to damage roads are not usually possible until the roads and gravel stockpiles begin to dry out.
6. Council prioritises repairs with higher trafficked roads usually receiving attention first.
7. For information on road conditions please call on 02- 68286100

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For all media enquiries:

Sherisse Fensom
Manager Communications and Corporate Reporting
Walgett Shire Council
Phone: 02 6828 6116
Mobile: 0447572956
Email: sfensom@walgett.nsw.gov.au