What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Forbes's direction is set out in the Forbes Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and a Delivery Program 2025–2029 with an annual Operational Plan and budget. Much of the current capital program is recovery and 'betterment' work following the 2022 Lachlan River flooding, alongside servicing for planned housing growth in North Forbes and the renewal of community sport and cultural facilities.
The council manages local and regional roads, town water and sewerage, waste, parks and planning across a 4,710 km² Central West LGA on the Lachlan River, and also owns and operates the Central West Livestock Exchange and the Forbes aerodrome. Its Delivery Program is the elected council's four-year statement of commitment to the community; the Operational Plan sets the year's projects, budget, rates model and fees.
Forbes met 4 of the 9 OLG financial benchmarks in 2023–24: the operating performance ratio (−1.9%), own-source revenue (56.8%) and cash expense cover (2.9 months) were below their benchmarks, while liquidity, debt service cover, rates outstanding and the infrastructure backlog were inside theirs. Asset maintenance (88.9%) and building & infrastructure renewals (69.9%) also sat below benchmark. The council's average residential rate is about 20% below the NSW average, and its Long Term Financial Plan and annual Statement of Revenue Policy are published with the Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
Underway now
Lake Forbes Activation Plan — Parks and Amenities Resilience and Betterment Project
Commenced June 2025; anticipated completion April 2027Severe weather and flooding across Southern and Central West NSW in August and November 2022 led to two disaster declarations (AGRN 1030 and AGRN 1034) covering 76 local government areas, including Forbes Shire. Under the NSW and Australian Governments' $25 million Community Assets Program (CAP) 2024, Forbes Shire Council received $3,964,375 to repair and improve flood-affected community, cultural and sporting infrastructure. Council is using the funding to upgrade Apex Park and Lions Park, using flood-tolerant materials and construction methods so the spaces are easier to reinstate after future flood events, and to improve accessibility. The Apex Park works include new play equipment with an 8.7-metre tower, a rubber softfall surface, all-abilities swings, new pathways, seating, an amenities block and improved drainage and car parking.
Recently delivered
Spooners Oval Grandstand replacement
Construction December 2023; completed May 2026The original Spooner Grandstand was built in 1938. Council received grant funding to build a replacement with a canteen, changerooms and toilets, a media room, an upstairs function area with an accessible lift and seating for 210 spectators. Funding came from the Office of Sport's Regional Sport Facility Fund ($983,489), the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program Phase 3 ($1,222,566) and the Stronger Country Communities Fund rounds 4 ($161,754) and 5 ($953,997).
North Forbes Service Strategy
Funded March 2024; strategy completed and in useCouncil received $250,000 under the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund to prepare the North Forbes Service Strategy — a review of the existing sewer, water and stormwater networks that identifies shortfalls and the upgrades needed to service up to 2,500 residential lots proposed in the Forbes Housing Strategy 2021–2041. Council reports the strategy was delivered on time and on budget and is now being used to scope design work for the identified service upgrades.
Source: Forbes Shire Council — North Forbes Service Strategy
Multipurpose Equestrian Centre (Stage 1)
Construction November 2022; opened to the public November 2024An 80 m × 60 m undercover sand arena with a steel roof structure, water tanks, potable water access, lighting, wireless access points and a sound system, funded by a $3.6 million grant under round one of the NSW Government's Multi-Sport Community Facility Funding program. Stage 1 is the first phase of a larger master plan for an equestrian precinct developed through community consultation; the arena is also available for other community groups and public events.
Source: Forbes Shire Council — Multipurpose Equestrian Centre