NSW · Central West · Local council, made simple
Forbes Shire Council
A Central West shire on the Lachlan River, where the Newell Highway runs through town — around 9,300 people spread across 4,710 km², from Forbes itself out to Bedgerabong, Garema, Ootha and Wirrinya, on an economy anchored by agriculture, food and freight. Much of the council's current capital program is flood recovery and betterment work following the 2022 Lachlan River floods. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, water and sewer, roads, parks, development — 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.
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: 3.1%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
4 of 9 OLG benchmarks met (2023–24)
Open →Crime & safetyForbes's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
10 of 12 major offences above the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Phyllis Miller OAM
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) 6850 2300
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~9,295 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Forbes Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council lifts its Community Funding Program to $175,000 a year
Council increased its annual Community Funding Program allocation to $175,000, with $87,500 available in Round 1 of 2026/27 for projects, programs, events and capital works across the shire. Categories are Sport and Recreation, Culture and the Arts, Community Services, and Rural Village Enhancement.
What this means for you: Eligible not-for-profit community groups can apply for up to $5,000 per project, as cash, in-kind support or a combination. Round 1 applications were submitted through the SmartyGrants portal and closed at midnight on Thursday 31 July 2026; a second round follows later in the financial year. Details are on the council's Community Funding Program page.
Source: Forbes Shire Council — Bigger Funding Pool for Community Projects
- Waste
Council switches its waste app from iRecycle Forbes to LoopedIn Councils
Forbes Shire Council has moved its waste and recycling app from iRecycle Forbes to a new platform, LoopedIn Councils, after six years on the old app. Council says the new app has a redesigned homepage, easier navigation and an updated recycling map, and that its website will be refreshed to match.
What this means for you: If you used the iRecycle Forbes app for your bin day, collection reminders or the recycling A–Z, you need to download the LoopedIn Councils app and delete the old one. Collection schedules, bin reminders and recycling guidance carry over to the new app; the online collection calendar on the council website and the waste hotline on 1300 725 415 both still work.
Source: Forbes Shire Council — New Waste and Recycling App for Forbes
- Policy
Apex Park redevelopment under way as part of the flood betterment project
Council has begun redeveloping Apex Park under the Lake Forbes Activation Plan Parks and Amenities Resilience and Betterment project, funded by the NSW Government's Community Assets Program. The old barbecue shelter has been removed for a new accessible shelter and cooking facilities; the still-working barbecues were relocated to Forbes Pool and the decommissioned play equipment donated to the Rotary Overseas Relocated Playgrounds Program.
What this means for you: Apex Park will get new play equipment including an 8.7-metre tower with three slides, a rubber softfall surface, all-abilities swings, new pathways, seating, an amenities block and improved drainage and car parking. The flying fox, accessible roundabout, nest swing and shade sails are being retained. The works are designed so the playground can withstand major flood events.
Source: Forbes Shire Council — New Purpose for Old Facilities at Apex Park
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We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Forbes Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.