NSW · Mid North Coast · Local council, made simple
Kempsey Shire Council
A large Mid North Coast shire along the Macleay River — around 31,700 people from the river towns of West, East and South Kempsey out to coastal villages like South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Hat Head and Stuarts Point. Kempsey Shire Council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, floodplain works, 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.
Permanent Special Rate Variation, phased over two years
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyKempsey's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
All 12 major offences above the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Kinne Ring (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) 6566 3200
Open →Shire profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~31,700 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Kempsey Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Next phase of the Mulumun Trail (Little Bay to Smoky Cape) begins
Construction on the next phase of Stage 1 of the Mulumun Trail, improving the walking connection between Little Bay and Smoky Cape near South West Rocks, was set to begin in January 2026.
What this means for you: The coastal walking trail is being extended along the Macleay Valley Coast; expect construction activity near Little Bay and Smoky Cape as the section is built.
Source: Mirage News — Mulumun Trail progresses: Little Bay to Smoky Cape
- Development
Crescent Head foreshore plans endorsed and community grants awarded
At its October 2025 meeting the council endorsed the Crescent Head Foreshore and Willow Street concept plans and approved nearly $60,000 in community grants.
What this means for you: If you use the Crescent Head foreshore, the endorsed concept plans set the direction for future upgrades; the community grants support local groups. Details are on the council meeting summary below.
Source: Kempsey Shire Council — Crescent Head foreshore plans endorsed and community grants awarded
- Policy
Council resolves to phase its Special Rate Variation over two years
At its 18 February 2025 meeting the council resolved to phase in the second-year portion of its IPART-approved permanent Special Rate Variation, applying a 7.5% rate increase in 2025–26 and 11.52% in 2026–27.
What this means for you: Ordinary rates rise by 7.5% in 2025–26 and 11.52% in 2026–27 under the phased plan; the council's Special Rate Variation page and the sources below set out the figures and how they were decided.
Source: The Macleay Argus — Council votes for two-year rate rise plan
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