NSW · Riverina · Local council, made simple
Coolamon Shire Council
A Riverina shire of about 4,600 people spread across Coolamon, Ganmain, Ardlethan and the villages of Marrar, Matong and Beckom, on broadacre cropping and grazing country between Wagga Wagga and Temora. The council does more than the usual: alongside roads, sewerage, waste and planning it directly runs the shire's aged care, childcare and library, and its heritage Up-to-Date Store now anchors a cultural and learning precinct in Coolamon. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week.
Everyday essentials
The things people actually need from the council — fast.
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.
2026–27 rate peg: 4.9%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
7 of 9 OLG benchmarks met (2023–24)
Open →Crime & safetyCoolamon's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
8 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: David McCann (Independent)
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) 6930 1800
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~4,613 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
6 updatesAuto-collected from Coolamon Shire Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Waste
Kerbside Garbage Service Delay - Friday 28 August 2026
Kerbside Garbage Service Delay - Friday 28 August 2026
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Coolamon Shire Council — News
- Policy
Road Closures - Ardlethan & Beckom
Road Closures - Ardlethan & Beckom
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Coolamon Shire Council — News
- Event
Yield Festival 2026 runs 28 August to 4 October
Council announced the launch of the Yield Festival for 2026, a celebration of creative arts running from 28 August to 4 October 2026, opening with a gala night.
What this means for you: The festival is the shire's largest arts programme and runs across multiple towns. The council's tourism site lists the full events calendar.
- Policy
Six community projects funded in Ardlethan Tin Mine Fund Round 2
Six local community projects were awarded funding through Round Two of the Ardlethan Tin Mine Fund. Round One had earlier seen five projects completed with $20,000 invested in community initiatives.
What this means for you: The fund is a recurring source of small grants for community groups in the shire. Council publishes each round's recipients and its wider grants and funding opportunities on its website.
- Policy
Minister for Local Government visits Coolamon Shire
Council welcomed the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, for a day of discussions and site visits within the shire.
What this means for you: Ministerial visits are where councils put local funding priorities directly to the state government. Coolamon's published advocacy priorities include a new Coolamon Ganmain Multi-Purpose Service (hospital) and the Riverina Equine Precinct.
Source: Coolamon Shire Council — Minister for Local Government Visits Coolamon Shire
- Policy
Council adopts its 2026–27 budget and sets rates at the 4.9% peg
At its Ordinary Meeting on 18 June 2026 Council formally adopted the Delivery Program 2026–2030, Operational Plan 2026–2027, fees and charges and the 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, and made and levied the 2026–27 rates. The plan had been on public exhibition until 18 May 2026 with no submissions received. The budget shows consolidated income of $25.584M, an operating result of $1.080M and capital works of $7.128M.
What this means for you: Your 2026–27 rates notice is built on IPART's 4.9% rate peg, a $378 minimum rate, and ad valorem rates that differ by town (Ardlethan, Ganmain, Coolamon or 'ordinary'). Interest on overdue rates for the year is 9.5% per annum. The waste charges are $257 general, $122 recycling, $85 organics in Coolamon and Ganmain, and a $75 tip access charge.
Source: Coolamon Shire Council — Minutes, Ordinary Meeting 18 June 2026
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Coolamon Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.