NSW · New England North West · Local council, made simple
Inverell Shire Council
A large rural shire in the New England North West, on the Macintyre River — around 18,000 people across the town of Inverell (the 'Sapphire City') and villages like Ashford, Delungra, Gilgai and Yetman, with Copeton Dam supplying the district's water. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, libraries, 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.
2025–26 rate peg: 3.2%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 8 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyInverell's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
2 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Kate Dight (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) 6728 8288
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~18,080 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Inverell Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council adopts 2026/2027 Operational Plan and Budget
Inverell Shire Council adopted its 2026/2027 Operational Plan and Budget on 19 June 2026, using the full IPART rate peg of 3.2% and continuing all existing programs and services at current levels with no service cuts. No community submissions were received during the public exhibition period.
What this means for you: General rates income rises by the 3.2% rate peg for 2026–27; the council says services continue at current levels. Your individual bill still depends on your land value relative to other properties.
Source: Inverell Shire Council — Council adopts 2026/2027 Operational Plan and Budget
- Development
Copeton Northern Foreshores upgrade progressing
Work is continuing on the roughly $5 million upgrade of the Copeton Northern Foreshores at Copeton Dam, supported by the NSW Government, to improve recreation and tourism facilities at the district's main water storage.
What this means for you: If you use Copeton Dam for recreation, the foreshore facilities are being upgraded; the dam is also the district's main water supply on the Macintyre River.
- Election
Kelvin Brown declared elected via countback
Following the resignation of former mayor Paul Harmon in February 2025, Kelvin Brown was declared elected to Inverell Shire Council through a countback of the September 2024 election, on 8 April 2025.
What this means for you: The council's roster changed mid-term without a by-election: a countback re-uses the 2024 ballots to fill the casual vacancy. The council's official page has the current list of councillors.
Source: Inverell Shire Council — Councillors (Your Representatives)
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