Council Endorses 10-Year Community Strategic Plan
Published on 30 June 2025
Walgett Shire Council has officially endorsed a new 10-year Community Strategic Plan, setting the course for a decade of focused investment, improved service delivery and stronger community outcomes.
The plan reflects the voices of more than 500 residents who took part in extensive consultation across late 2024 and early 2025, including surveys, community meetings, drop-in sessions and written submissions.
The message from the community was resounding: they want a Council that listens, communicates clearly and delivers results.
"The community has spoken and they’ve made it very clear, they’re not after more talk, they want action," said Mayor Jasen Ramien. "Every town and village across our Shire has its own goals. Some we can deliver quickly. Others will take time, funding and persistence. But what people expect and deserve is honesty. They want to know what’s possible, when it’s likely to happen and they want to see us follow through. That’s the kind of Council we’re striving to be."
The newly endorsed Community Strategic Plan replaces the 2017 version and is backed by a Delivery Program and Operational Plan, providing a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the Shire’s long-term vision (10-year CSP), medium-term priorities (4-year Delivery Program) and short-term actions (1-Year Operating Plan).
Mayor Ramien said the shift from planning to performance is a key focus for the current Council.
“In the past, we gathered the right information but fell short on follow-through. This term, we’re determined to rebuild trust by setting clear priorities and being held accountable.”
Key Themes and Actions
The plan is built around four strategic themes:
- Our Society
- Our Environment
- Our Economy
- Our Civic Leadership
Notable initiatives include:
- Youth Engagement – Formation of a Walgett Shire Youth Council in partnership with local schools.
- Improved Communication – Introduction of a quarterly community newsletter, upgraded website for better access to information, and digital signage across towns and villages.
- Tourism Development – Creation of a comprehensive Tourism Destination Management Plan to unlock local tourism potential.
- Capital Works Pipeline – A forward program of infrastructure upgrades, including roads, footpaths, water systems and swimming pools (subject to available funding).
Council has also committed to transparent annual reporting and regular reviews to ensure the plan remains responsive and relevant.
“This isn’t a document that will sit on a shelf,” Mayor Ramien said. “It’s a living plan that will guide our decisions, measure our progress, and help us stay accountable to the people we serve.”
Where to View the Plan
The full Community Strategic Plan, Delivery Program, and Operational Plan are available here: IP&R Documents
Hard copies are also available at Council offices in Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri.
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Contact Council
admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au
02 6828 6100
Media Contact
Sherisse Fensom
Manager Communications and Corporate Reporting
Walgett Shire Council
0447 572 956
comms@walgett.nsw.gov.au