NSW · Central West · Local council, made simple
Bathurst Regional Council
The major council of the Central Tablelands — around 45,000 people across Bathurst, Kelso, Eglinton and a wide spread of villages, on the Macquarie River. Bathurst is Australia's oldest inland European settlement, home to the Mount Panorama-Wahluu motor-racing circuit and a Charles Sturt University campus, and the region's main service, retail, education and events centre. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, water, roads, libraries, parks — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Bathurst Regional Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Open — see source for the closing date
TAFE Heritage Precinct
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Australia Day awards
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Heritage Assistance Funds
Have your say →
Get to know your council
The basics, in one tap — open any card for key facts and a link to the official source.
This year's rate rise, how it compares across NSW, and why bills differ.
2025–26 rate peg: 4.9%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 4 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyBathurst's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
3 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate — read the context
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Robert 'Stumpy' Taylor
Open →Elections & votingWhen the next council election is, and how voting works.
Next election: Sat 9 Sep 2028
Open →Contact & servicesHow to reach the council and report a problem.
Customer service: (02) 6333 6111
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~45,000 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
54 updatesAuto-collected from Bathurst Regional Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
Apply for Return & Earn Baskets to Fundraise for Your Community Group
Published on 03 November 2026 Council invites schools, community organisations and sporting clubs to apply for one or more of the 100 Return and Earn baskets available through Council’s Return and Earn Community Program.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Panorama Punish
Did you take part in the 2026 Mount Panorama Punish? We would love to hear your feedback.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Policy
Scallywags Celebrates 40 Years!
Published on 02 November 2026 Scallywags Long Day Care and Preschool will celebrate 40 years of providing early childhood education and care to the Bathurst community on Saturday 7 November 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Celebrate Bathurst's Cultural Diversity at The Kaleidoscope Festival
Published on 30 October 2026 Get together on Saturday 7 November and celebrate the incredible cultural diversity of Bathurst at the inaugural Kaleidoscope Festival – a vibrant celebration of cultures, community and connection.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 30 October 2026
Published on 29 October 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New Writer’s Residency Launches to Honour Local Author
Published on 29 October 2026 The inaugural Tracy Sorensen Writing Residency has launched in Bathurst to support emerging Australian writers.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 23 October 2026
Published on 23 October 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Council meeting
October 2026 Council Meeting News Report
Published on 22 October 2026 Bathurst Regional Council held an Ordinary Council Meeting on 21 October 2026. Below is a media release collation from the meeting’s business papers.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Join Bathurst Library's 'Write Around the World' Storytelling Workshop
Published on 19 October 2026 On Tuesday 3 November, join a storytelling and reflection workshop at Bathurst Library.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 16 October 2026
Published on 15 October 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Planning Proposal for New Major Urban Release Area at Stewarts Mount
Published on 14 October 2026 A planning proposal has been lodged to Council by the owners of land at 296 Ophir Road, Stewarts Mount to amend the planning controls under the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan 2014 (LEP), enabling the delivery of a new urban release area in the Bathurst Region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Mount Panorama’s fifth event opportunity goes to market
Published on 12 October 2026 Bathurst Regional Council has officially opened Expressions of Interest for a permanent fifth annual motor racing event at Mount Panorama from 2028.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
Planning Proposal 390 Panorama Avenue
Public Exhibition Public exhibition of Planning Proposal seeking to amend the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan 2014 at 390 Panorama Avenue, Mitchell (Skillset) Public Exhibition The Planning Proposal in relation to land at 390 Panorama Avenue, Mitchell (PP-2025-2561) has now been placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from Monday 12 October 2026 to 9 November 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Policy
Get Active in Bathurst
Published on 12 October 2026 Council has teamed up with Bathurst Physiotherapy and Sports Injuries Centre and Manning Aquatic Centre to offer two free activities to help the ageing community stay active and connect with others.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Public Exhibition of 390 Panorama Avenue Planning Proposal Opens Today
Published on 12 October 2026 Council has received a planning proposal by Skillset Limited to facilitate the development of a hostel for young people, apprentices and essential workers at 390 Panorama Avenue, Mitchell.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 9 October 2026
Published on 09 October 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the Region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Repco Bathurst 1000 Off-Track Events
To celebrate the annual Repco Bathurst 1000, a series of off-track events and activations are held throughout the city for fans and locals to enjoy. 'Brocky's Helmet' celebrates the extraordinary life and racing career of the nine-time Bathurst winner, Peter Brock.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Policy
EY-Parthenon to Assess Mount Panorama Impact
Published on 01 October 2026 EY-Parthenon has been appointed by Council to undertake a detailed economic assessment of the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit precinct, examining both its broader economic contribution and opportunities to improve the commercial return generated from the iconic asset.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 2 October 2026
Published on 02 October 2026 Find out the latest news happening in the Bathurst region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
General Manager Recruitment Accelerates
Published on 30 September 2026 Bathurst Regional Council’s recruitment of its next General Manager is progressing, with Leading Roles appointed to undertake the executive search assistance.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Bathurst Services App Transitioning to LoopedIn Councils App
Published on 29 September 2026 The Bathurst Services App will transition to the 'LoopedIn Councils' App on 12 October 2026, providing residents with continued access to important Council service information through a more modern and user-friendly platform.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Laffing Waters Project Progresses as Construction Contractor Appointed
Published on 28 September 2026 Council has appointed Devcon Civil Pty Ltd as its construction contractor for the foundational infrastructure of the future Laffing Waters Master Plan development precinct.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
One Month Until the 2026 Mount Panorama Punish
Published on 25 September 2026 There's just one month to go until the Mount Panorama Punish returns for its 9th year on Sunday 25 October, and entries are on track to mark its biggest year yet!
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 25 September 2026
Published on 25 September 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the Bathurst Region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Active Ageing in Bathurst
20 Oct 2026 Active Ageing in Bathurst Tagged as: , Community
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Stay Another Day for ‘Lap 162: The Great Race Cool Down’
Published on 21 September 2026 Get ready for ‘Lap 162: The Great Race Cool Down’. Council is pleased to announce the program for the CBD activation on Monday 12 October, the closing event for this year’s Bathurst 1000 week of festivities.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Visit Council’s Pop-up Cafe this Dementia Action Week
Published on 21 September 2026 Dementia Action Week commences today through Sunday 27 September. In line with this year’s theme “It’s time to talk about dementia”, Council has partnered with the Bathurst Dementia Alliance to host a pop-up D Caf (Dementia Café) this Thursday at Bathurst Library.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 18 September 2026
Published on 18 September 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the Bathurst Region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Developing a new Destination Management Plan & Event Strategy
DRAFT Bathurst Region Destination & Events Strategy 2035 Council at its meeting on Wednesday 16 September resolved to place the Draft Bathurst Destination and Events Stra tegy 2035 on public exhibition for 28 days to seek community feedback.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Council meeting
September 2026 Council Meeting News Report
Published on 17 September 2026 Bathurst Regional Council held an Ordinary Council Meeting on 16 September 2026. Below is a media release collation from the meeting’s business papers.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Successful 2026 Section 356 Donation Recipients Announced
Published on 15 September 2026 Council has selected the recipients for the 2026 Section 356 Donations, a funding scheme supporting the initiatives of local community groups.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
The Reserve Stage Two – Now Selling!
Published on 14 September 2026 The second stage of land sales at The Reserve, Windradyne has officially launched today, with prices starting at $333,300.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Host Family Opportunities for 2027 Toyo Study Tour
Published on 11 September 2026 The Bathurst Visitor Information Centre is looking for welcoming local families to host students from Japan's Toyo High School during their visit to Bathurst next year.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 11 September 2026
Published on 11 September 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the Bathurst Region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Dementia Action Week 2026
24 Sep 2026 Dementia Action Week 2026 Bathurst Library Forecourt, 70/78 Keppel Steet, Bathurst 2795 Tagged as: , Community
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Campsite Bookings Extended to Tuesday Following Repco Bathurst 1000
Published on 31 August 2026 Bathurst 1000 Campers at Mount Panorama and Council-run campsites have today been provided the option to remain onsite until 10am Tuesday morning, extending the regular campground departure time of 12:00pm Monday.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Brock Experience Honours King of the Mountain this Race Week
Published on 02 September 2026 With just five weeks to go, the 2026 Repco Bathurst 1000 is fast approaching and a week's worth of off-track events are planned to celebrate the excitement of another Great Race and pay tribute to a defining figure of Australian Motorsport, Peter Brock, twenty years on from his passing.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
'Peter Brock: King of the Mountain' Launches at Motor Racing Museum
Published on 03 September 2026 Twenty years ago, Australian motorsport tragically lost one of its most iconic figures, with the death of Peter Brock in a tarmac rally event in Western Australia. Marking his undeniable legacy, The National Motor Racing Museum is launching ‘Peter Brock: King of the Mountain’ looking at the life and success of the iconic motorsport champion.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Threatened Species Learning Modules Launch for Threatened Species Day
Published on 04 September 2026 Students across the Bathurst Region will have the opportunity to discover some of the area's most remarkable native wildlife through a new Threatened Species Learning Program, developed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and raise awareness of local species at risk of extinction.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What's News 4 September 2026
Published on 04 September 2026 Find out the latest news and events from around the region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Bathurst Secures $450,000 to Make Street Events Easier
Published on 07 September 2026 Council has secured $450,000 from the NSW Government’s Permit/ Plug/ Play Program to deliver the Bathurst Event Ready Street Project.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Get Ready Bathurst! The Importance of Being Disaster Prepared
Published on 08 September 2026 Next week, Council will be taking part in 'Get Ready Week', a state-wide initiative to help communities prepare for natural disasters.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Event
Repco Bathurst 1000 Race Week
12 Oct 2026 The Repco Bathurst 1000, known as 'The Great Race', is the most iconic race at Mount Panorama. First held in 1963, the Bathurst 1000 has become the pinnacle of motorsport, the race that all drivers dream of winning with the 1000km endurance race drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands each year.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
TAFE Heritage Precinct
Bathurst TAFE Heritage Precinct Strategic Framework Bathurst Regional Council is seeking community feedback on the Strategic Framework for the Bathurst TAFE Heritage Precinct. The Strategic Framework sets the long-term vision and guiding principles for transforming this important heritage site into a vibrant civic, cultural and mixed-use destination.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Have your say
Bathurst Flood Study Update
UPDATE: SUBMISSIONS DEADLINE EXTENDED Submissions for the draft Flood Study Update have been extended until 4pm, Friday 11 September 2026. Council, with the support of the NSW Government, is currently undertaking a Flood Study Update for the Macquarie Wambuul River floodplain in the Bathurst area.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Policy
Disability Inclusion Action Plan | 2027 - 2031
Introduction We appreciate your opinions to help us better understand our residents' experiences of disability access and inclusion in the Bathurst Regional Council Local Government Area (LGA).
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Have your say
Safer Cities: Her Way 2 – Help Shape How Safe Bathurst CBD feels day and night
Tell us where you feel unsafe, and what changes would help make the Bathurst CBD and Howick Street Bus Interchange more welcoming for everyone. Introduction Bathurst Regional Council has secured funding of $1.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Have your say
Heritage Assistance Funds
Bathurst Region Heritage Assistance Fund Bathurst Regional Council, with support from the NSW Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage, offers the Bathurst Region Heritage Assistance Fund aimed at supporting local property owners and community groups to restore, repair, protect, promote and interpret the region's heritage.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Have your say
Australia Day awards
Do you know of an exceptional individual in the Bathurst community who has contributed to the great city in which we live or know of an event that highlighted our community spirit? Here is your chance to recognise them.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Policy
Draft Council Policies and Plans
Council amends its Policies from time to time. Council is required to seek community input to the proposed changes through a public exhibition period.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Policy
Long Term Financial Plan
The draft Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) is a ten-year view of Council's finances - our income and expenditure predictions based on the long-term view of the community identified in our Community Strategic Plan 2025-2045. The document reflects our predicted financial position in this period.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Bathurst Region
- Development
$70m Mount Panorama upgrade wishlist pitched to federal government
The council put together a roughly $70 million wishlist of proposed Mount Panorama-Wahluu circuit improvements — including safety works, animal fencing and a full re-pave — and pitched it to the federal government; the 2026 federal budget did not fund the request.
What this means for you: If funded in future, the works would upgrade the circuit that hosts the Bathurst 1000; the council has said it will keep pursuing support. The council's news pages track progress.
- Policy
Council concludes FOGO 'Let's Get Our Scrap Together' campaign
Bathurst Regional Council wrapped up its NSW Government-funded 'Let's Get Our Scrap Together' campaign, which ran from September 2025 and engaged more than 500 community members to encourage correct use of the weekly green FOGO (food organics and garden organics) bin.
What this means for you: The campaign aimed to keep food waste out of landfill by getting more of it into the green FOGO bin; the council's waste pages explain what goes in each bin.
Source: Bathurst Regional Council — Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Bin
- Development
Council receives $1.7m to develop a Bathurst CBD masterplan
Bathurst Regional Council will develop a masterplan for the central business district after receiving a $1.7 million federal grant under the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, announced alongside the local federal member.
What this means for you: The masterplan is intended to guide future investment in the Bathurst city centre; the council's news pages will set out the scope and any community-input opportunities.
Source: Western Advocate — Council receives $1.7m to develop a CBD masterplan
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