The NSW Government will introduce a new council model that will set Central Darling Shire up for a more sustainable future and return democracy to remote communities in far west NSW for the first time in over 10 years.
The state’s largest local government area by size, Central Darling Shire Council has been under administration since 2013 due to significant financial and governance issues.
Several factors including the Council’s remoteness, small populations and rate base has made it extremely difficult to deliver services and infrastructure in a cost-effective way.
To address these challenges and ensure communities have democratic representation, the NSW Government has developed a new model of governance for the Council.
Central Darling Shire will become a ‘Rural and Remote Council’ made up of three locally elected councillors from the community and three councillors appointed by the NSW Government with relevant expertise to support the stable and effective operation of the Council.
This model will enable Central Darling Shire Council to better represent the diverse community, streamline costs, and deliver services that meet local needs. It has been developed in consultation with Central Darling Shire Council administrator Bob Stewart, community representatives, the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP and NSW state agencies.
Legislation will be required to amend the Local Government Act to establish this new model and will be introduced to Parliament in the coming months.
To allow for this legislation to pass and the implementation of the new model, the September local government elections have been deferred for Central Darling Shire Council.
Elections for the three community representatives will be held in the first half of 2025. To support the Council though this transition to the new model, the NSW Government has provided a $477,782 grant.
A funding strategy is also being developed to support the financial sustainability of Central Darling Shire Council and enable more certainty to plan and deliver services and infrastructure into the future.
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