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
Inverell Shire's direction is set out in its Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and a Delivery Program 2025–2029 with an annual Operational Plan and budget, focused on water security, roads and other infrastructure, and supporting agriculture and the emerging renewable-energy economy.
The council manages local roads, water and sewer, waste, libraries, parks and planning across a large rural shire on the Macintyre River, with the town of Inverell as its main service centre for a wider district. Its Delivery Program is the elected council's statement of commitment for its term.
The 2026/2027 Operational Plan and Budget (adopted 19 June 2026) continues all existing programs and services at current levels with no service cuts, and maintains a balanced position across the General, Water and Sewer funds, including a Strategic Capital Infrastructure Fund and ongoing Asset Management Program.
Underway now
Copeton Northern Foreshores upgrade
$5 million upgrade, supported by the NSW GovernmentA roughly $5 million upgrade of the Copeton Northern Foreshores, on Copeton Dam — the district's main water storage on the Macintyre River — to improve recreation and tourism facilities. The project is supported by the NSW Government.
Planned / committed
New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) — community benefits
Community & Employment Benefit Program funding brought forwardInverell sits within the NSW Government's New England Renewable Energy Zone. Communities across the region are set to share in Community and Employment Benefit Program funding for local infrastructure, services and jobs, with EnergyCo consulting councils and community groups on how the program will operate. This is a NSW Government-led program, not a council project.
Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035
to 2035The council's top-level Community Strategic Plan, adopted in 2025, setting long-term goals for the shire's community, environment, economy and leadership, delivered through the Delivery Program 2025–2029.
Source: Inverell Shire Council — Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035