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.
Open for your feedback
See all →Things Kempsey Shire Council wants your say on right now. Your view counts for more before the deadline.
- Open — see source for the closing date
Expression of Interest - Australia Day Awards Committee 2026/27
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
reVITALise - Kempsey Railway Station Precinct
Have your say → - Open — see source for the closing date
Hat Head Holiday Park and Reserve
Have your say →
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
43 updatesAuto-collected from Kempsey Shire Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Election
Councillor Noel Selby resigns from Kempsey Shire Council
Published on 04 November 2026 Council’s Chief Executive Officer received written notice from Councillor Noel Selby today resigning from his position as a Kempsey Shire councillor, effective immediately.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New section of the Mulumun Trail opens at South West Rocks
Published on 04 November 2026 The opening of another section of the Mulumun Trail was celebrated at the trailhead near Smoky Cape Lighthouse today, marking a milestone in one of the Macleay Valley Coast's most significant nature-based tourism projects.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Matty's Flat Boat Reserve Upgrade and Expansion
Learn more Last updated: 3 Nov 2026 Matty's Flat Boat Reserve Upgrade and Expansion Mattys Flat is an important riverside area used commercially and enjoyed by locals and visitors for boating, fishing, diving and spending time along the Macleay River.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Who makes our community special?
Published on 29 October 2026 Every day across the Macleay Valley, people are doing wonderful things for their community, often without expecting anything in return. Now is the time to help them get the recognition they deserve.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
What a day! Clyde Street lights up for Macleay Laneway Fest
Published on 27 October 2026 What happens when you bring together talented young performers, emerging artists, creative stallholders and a community ready to cheer them on? Something pretty special.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Council meeting
Community funding and future planning feature at October meeting
Published on 22 October 2026 Council considered a range of matters including community infrastructure, financial sustainability, governance, community grants and advocacy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Advocacy continues for Back Creek dredging
Published on 27 October 2026 Council is continuing work to improve conditions at the entrance to Back Creek in South West Rocks, where ongoing sand build-up is affecting navigation. Staff are progressing the licences and approvals needed for a temporary dredging arrangement, while Council continues to advocate for dredging to resume and investigates other practical measures, including potential flood risks.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
New water treatment plant officially opened at Willawarrin
Published on 16 October 2026 Kempsey Shire Council officially opened Willawarrin’s new $10. 6 million water treatment plant on Friday 16 October, marking a major investment in safe and reliable drinking water for the village.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Mayor's Column: Progress across our communities
Published on 16 October 2026 One of the things I enjoy most about this role is seeing progress happen right across the Kempsey Shire, from major infrastructure projects to community events that bring people together.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Supporting flying foxes during challenging conditions
Published on 12 October 2026 Residents may occasionally notice flying foxes roosting in backyards, parks and other locations where they are not normally seen.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Upcoming community satisfaction survey
Published on 12 October 2026 From 19 to 31 October 2026, a Community Satisfaction Survey will be conducted from 19 to 31 October, giving residents the opportunity to share feedback on Council services and performance.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Mayor's Column: Welcoming new citizens to our shire
Published on 30 September 2026 One of the great privileges of being Mayor is welcoming people to our community, whether they have travelled from the other side of the world or chosen to make the Macleay Valley their home. Recently, I've been fortunate to do both.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Right to Know Week 2026: Building trust through access to information
Published on 28 September 2026 Kempsey Shire Council is proud to support Right to Know Week NSW 2026, running from 28 September to 4 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Upper Macleay Flood Study
Learn more Last updated: 2 Nov 2026 Upper Macleay Flood Study This project addresses the existing and future flood problems within the Upper Macleay River catchment.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Fresh Start program opens doors to careers in water
Published on 28 September 2026 A group of aspiring trainees got to explore behind the scenes at Steuart McIntyre Dam, looking at the people, projects and career opportunities that keep our community’s water services running.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Sherwood Bridge flood camera back online
Published on 17 September 2026 The Sherwood Bridge flood camera is back online and providing residents with a live view of conditions at the river crossing. We appreciate the community's patience while works were carried out to restore the service.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Energy upgrades to cut Council electricity costs and emissions
Published on 18 September 2026 Kempsey Shire Council will upgrade three of its major water and wastewater facilities to reduce electricity costs, energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Toose Road landslip update: bridge project moves to tender stage
Published on 17 September 2026 A significant project milestone has now been reached, with tenders open for the design and construction of the new bridge crossing over the Macleay River. The tender opened on 2 September 2026 and closes on 19 October 2026.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
Expression of Interest - Australia Day Awards Committee 2026/27
Learn more Expression of Interest - Australia Day Awards Committee 2026/27 Kempsey Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the local community who wish to join the Australia Day Awards Committee.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Disability Inclusion Action Plan Adopted
Learn more Last updated: 17 Sept 2026 Disability Inclusion Action Plan Adopted The Disability Inclusion Action Plan was recently adopted at the Ordinary August 2026 Council Meeting.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Business Breakfast highlights opportunities and priorities for Kempsey
Published on 11 September 2026 More than 60 business owners, industry representatives and community stakeholders came together on Tuesday to discuss the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the future of the Macleay Valley.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
RFS declares start of Bush Fire Danger Period in Kempsey
Published on 01 September 2026 The Bushfire Danger Period commences 1 September 2026, urging residents to prepare now as warmer conditions approach heading into spring and summer.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
EOIs now open for Mid North Coast High Performance Centre
Published on 03 September 2026 Expressions of Interest are now open for the activation and use of the Mid North Coast High Performance Centre at South West Rocks, creating new opportunities to strengthen sport, recreation, health, wellbeing and education across the region.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Election
Mayor's Column: Investing in our future
Published on 04 September 2026 Last week I represented Kempsey Shire at the NSW Country Mayors Association Forum in Sydney where regional mayors came together to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing our communities: housing.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Have your say
reVITALise - Kempsey Railway Station Precinct
Learn more Last updated: 7 Sept 2026 reVITALise - Kempsey Railway Station Precinct This project brings together community feedback and practical design to deliver a more connected, welcoming, and vibrant precinct in line with grant objectives.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Development
Disclosure Statement of Political Donations and Gifts(PDF, 86KB)
Disclosure Statement of Political Donations and Gifts(PDF, 86KB)
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Kempsey Shire Council — DA exhibition & notification
- Policy
Stuarts Point Structure Plan
Learn more Stuarts Point Structure Plan The Stuarts Point Structure Plan was adopted at the Ordinary Council meeting, 17 March 2026. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and contributed to this document.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Development
Development Approvals - Determinations
Development Approvals - Determinations
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Kempsey Shire Council — DA exhibition & notification
- Policy
Disability Inclusion Action Plan Review
Learn more Disability Inclusion Action Plan Review At Council we are all about fostering a more inclusive and accessible community. This includes reviewing our Disability Inclusion Action Plan to ensure it is up to date.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Community Engagement Strategy 2019(PDF, 2MB)
Community Engagement Strategy 2019(PDF, 2MB)
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Kempsey Shire Council — DA exhibition & notification
- Have your say
Hat Head Holiday Park and Reserve
Learn more Hat Head Holiday Park and Reserve Council has undertaken staged community engagement for the Hat Head Holiday Park Learn more
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Crescent Head Sports Fields Master Plan
Learn more Last updated: 3 Nov 2026 Crescent Head Sports Fields Master Plan The Crescent Head Sports Fields Master Plan is recognised in Council’s 2025–26 Operational Plan as part of priority actions from the Macleay Valley Sports Strategy.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Development
Kempsey Development Control Plan
Learn more Last updated: 26 Aug 2026 Kempsey Development Control Plan We are pleased to announce that at the June 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting the Kempsey Development Control Plan (2026) was adopted.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Have your say
Expression of Interest - Australia Day Awards Committee 2026/27
Learn more Last updated: 10 Sept 2026 Expression of Interest - Australia Day Awards Committee 2026/27 Kempsey Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the local community who wish to join the Australia Day Awards Committee.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Development
DA2100176 – 7 Killuke Crescent Crescent Head(PDF, 293KB)
DA2100176 – 7 Killuke Crescent Crescent Head(PDF, 293KB)
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Kempsey Shire Council — DA exhibition & notification
- Election
Mayor's Column: Winter's almost over and things are heating up
Published on 28 August 2026 Warmer days are here, making it the perfect time to get out and connect with each other. I am very excited to see the Slim Dusty Centre hosting some great events over the coming weeks, showing what can happen when we unlock the potential of a community asset.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Policy
Thank you to all our Pawgust legends
Published on 31 August 2026 This Pawgust has been all about celebrating our furry friends and promoting responsible pet ownership across the Macleay Valley. A big thank you to everyone who took the pledge!
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- Development
DA2100175 – 45 Lachlan Street South Kempsey(PDF, 102KB)
DA2100175 – 45 Lachlan Street South Kempsey(PDF, 102KB)
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Kempsey Shire Council — DA exhibition & notification
- Policy
2026-27 draft suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents
Learn more 2026-27 draft suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework outlines how Council plans, delivers and reports on what matters to the community.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Your Say Macleay
- Policy
Safer, smoother journeys as Maria River Rd sealing project takes shape
Published on 09 September 2026 A major milestone has been reached on an upgrade of Maria River Road which connects Port Macquarie and Crescent Head, with a quarter of the 20. 2km sealing project complete.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
- 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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