Quarterly Budget Review Statement
Council adopted the Quarterly Budget Review Statement for the period ending 31 March 2025.
During discussion around this item, it was noted that the operating deficit, after exclusion of capital income, is forecast to be $4.7 million. The majority of this deficit is due to depreciation of Council assets and reduction in income.
The General Manager explained that the ongoing flood recovery has required Council to reallocate resources to address urgent infrastructure needs, while deferring some non-essential works to the next financial year. Grant funding from State and Federal Governments is expected to assist in restoring financial balance as it becomes available.
Mayor Tiemens reiterated the importance of long-term investment in infrastructure resilience, especially in light of natural disasters.
“I will continue to advocate on behalf of our community. The condition of our roads is a long-term challenge, and we need all levels of government to come together on sustainable, fair funding. We’ve had productive discussions with the State Government, and Minister Jenny Aitchison has been a strong supporter. But maintaining national road standards in the face of extreme weather events will require a greater share of national resources,” the Mayor said.
Whitehaven Solar Farm Project Offer
Council rejected Whitehaven's proposal of a Voluntary Planning Agreement for the Whitehaven Solar Farm project.
The proposal included a one-off payment of $50,000 which the planning department deemed inadequate and not aligning with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Benefits sharing guideline.
Whitehaven Energy Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Whitehaven Coal Limited, has lodged a development application with the NSW Department of Planning, House and Infrastructure for a proposed solar photovoltaic electricity generation system (Solar Farm).
The proposed location would be adjacent to the existing Narrabri underground coal mine and aims to reduce the electricity consumed and used by the Narrabri Mine.
According to Whitehaven’s Environmental Impact Statement, the proposed project has a potential operational life of 50 years. However, the existing approval for the Narrabri Underground Mine – which would host the solar farm – only extends to 2044. As a result, Whitehaven has indicated it may divest or decommission the solar project prior to reaching its full design life.
Quarterly and progress reports
Council adopted the Quarter 3 Operational Plan Progress Report, with the report outlining that as 31 March 2025, 85% of Council’s Operational Plan Actions were either completed or on track to be achieved by 30 June 2025.
Additionally, Council noted the Planning and Development report for Quarter 3.
The value of development applications determined in Quarter 3 2025 was $4,815,933.
The report also highlighted the following Strategic Planning updates:
Council also noted a report regarding May community advocacy opportunities, including updates around:
Councillors further discussed the Tamworth Intervalley Pipelines and Off-River Storages Project. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on Narrabri Shire’s agricultural sector should the project consider construction of a new pipeline and pump stations to transfer water from Keepit Dam to Calala Water Treatment Plant.
Following conclusion of this discussion, Councillors added a sixth recommendation to the report’s motion:
6. Council is against the construction of the new pipeline and the pump station to transfer water from Lake Keepit Dam to Calala Water.
Other items of note
To view the full agenda and reports from the May Ordinary Council Meeting and watch the recording of the meeting, visit www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Meeting