From the Council Chambers

Published on 17 July 2026

The first Council Meeting of the 2026/27 financial year focused on community issues, policies and planning that help shape everyday life across the Narrabri Shire.

While there were no major infrastructure decisions before Councillors, discussions centred on tackling graffiti, strengthening community policies and ensuring resident feedback continues to play an important role in Council decision-making.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens also used the meeting to encourage residents to participate in next month's Australian Census, highlighting the importance of an accurate count in helping secure future funding and services for the region.

Council has been working closely with the Australian Bureau of Statistics in preparation for Census night, with support materials and community information becoming available over the coming weeks to help ensure everyone living in the Narrabri Shire, whether a permanent resident or temporary worker, can complete the Census.

Graffiti a priority for Councillors

A Mayoral Minute addressing the rise in graffiti across the Narrabri Shire prompted discussion among Councillors, who acknowledged the increasing impact of vandalism on both public and private property.

Councillors supported a request for Council to prepare a report on current graffiti management practices, including prevention strategies, removal timeframes and opportunities to work alongside the community to address the issue.

The report will also investigate the potential use of CCTV at identified graffiti hotspots and opportunities to advocate for increased support from NSW Police and the NSW Government.

Speaking in support of the motion, Cr. Ryan Whillas described graffiti as "a stain across all of our towns."

"Extra resourcing is clearly needed. CCTV will be a great help, especially with the increase of other crime that we're experiencing at the moment. This is a step in the right direction to keeping our community safe, clean and tidy," he said.

Community feedback strengthens pool policy

One of the meeting's key discussions centred on the adoption of the Aquatic Facilities Management Policy and Plan, following its public exhibition period.

Originally exhibited in May, the policy responds to changes in legislation, industry standards and risk management requirements, while providing clearer operational expectations across Council's aquatic facilities.

Director of Corporate and Commercial Services, Mark Watt, said Council staff had spent the exhibition period working directly with schools, sporting clubs and user groups to better understand their concerns and ensure the policy reflected the needs of those who regularly use the facilities.

As a result of that consultation, several amendments were made before the policy was adopted. These included:

• Expanding the definition of a "carnival" to include aquatic sporting events such as water polo, allowing those events to access concession pricing.
• Providing greater clarity around school use of Council pools by confirming that while schools are exempt from facility hire fees, standard pool entry fees still apply.

Councillors welcomed the level of community engagement throughout the exhibition period, with both Cr. Whillas and Cr. Lamont encouraging residents to continue participating whenever Council places policies on public exhibition.

The discussion also highlighted the ongoing cost of operating the Shire's public pools.

Mr Watt explained that while the facilities are a highly valued community asset, they remain one of Council's most expensive services to operate due to electricity, staffing, maintenance and depreciation costs.

"We've recently reviewed patronage across our pools and have seen an increase in use, which is fantastic and every visit helps. Looking ahead, we'd like to undertake a service review to identify opportunities to reduce operating costs, including solar energy initiatives, while continuing to provide the facilities and level of service our community expects," he said.

Aboriginal Cultural Protocols Policy to return to Council

Councillors also considered the Aboriginal Cultural Protocols and Practices Policy, which had been placed on public exhibition following the May Council Meeting.

While no public submissions were received during the exhibition period, Councillors resolved to prepare an alternative draft policy following discussion in the Chamber.

Cr. Towns acknowledged the draft was a great starting point; however, felt it could be further developed to better reflect community expectations and the cultural significance of practices.

“The changes I’d like to make are mainly related to the Acknowledgement of Country. I don’t want it to become a standard meeting practice, or a pre-written administrative routine,” he said.

The motion was moved with an amendment:

• That an alternative draft policy be considered by Council and referred to the General Manager for further amendment, focusing on strengthening relationships and the engagement approach to the policy and be presented at the next available Council Meeting for further consideration and consultation.

The full meeting can be viewed online at www.narrabri.nsw.gov.au/Your-Council/Council-Meeting