NSW · Central West NSW · Local council, made simple
Lachlan Shire Council
A central west shire of about 6,100 people spread across nearly 15,000 km² — roughly one person for every two and a half square kilometres — centred on Condobolin, with Lake Cargelligo and Tottenham the other towns and villages at Albert, Burcher, Tullibigeal, Fifield and Derriwong. The economy runs on grain, sheep, wool and beef, with light manufacturing at Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo. Council runs the local services you use every week — kerbside waste in the towns, water and sewer, about 4,000 km of roads, parks, libraries and development — and sets your rates. Here's the snapshot, then the stuff that affects your week. (Not to be confused with Upper Lachlan Shire Council, around Crookwell and Gunning.)
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.
2026–27 rate peg: 3.4%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
5 of 9 OLG benchmarks met (2024–25, audited statements)
Open →Crime & safetyLachlan Shire'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: John Medcalf OAM (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) 6895 1900
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~6,113 across 14,968 km²
Open →What's happening
4 updatesRecent items from Lachlan Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council explains how new land valuations affect your rates
Following the NSW Valuer General's release of updated land valuations and the issue of rates notices, council published a reminder that land value is only one input to a rates bill — the total revenue council may raise, the property's rating category and its land value relative to other properties all feed into the calculation.
What this means for you: A higher land valuation does not automatically mean a proportionally higher rates bill. If you think your Notice of Valuation is wrong, the objection goes to the NSW Valuer General (Value NSW, 1800 110 038), not to council — council cannot amend or review valuations. Rates questions go to council on (02) 6895 1900.
Source: Lachlan Shire Council — Understanding land valuations and council rates
- Policy
Council adopts a $58 million budget for 2026–27
Lachlan Shire Council's adopted 2026–27 budget provides $58 million for operational and capital works, supported by $24.9 million in Commonwealth and NSW Government grants and including $24.5 million for capital improvements — with $9 million of grant-funded roads works across the shire.
What this means for you: This is the plan for what gets built and funded in your area this year: roads, $2.4 million for sporting grounds, pools and recreational facilities, $740,000 for Home and Community Care, $260,000 for community grants and events, and $800,000 towards the McInnes Street Lake Cargelligo land development. The full Delivery Program and Operational Plan is on council's Integrated Planning and Reporting page.
Source: Lachlan Shire Council — Council adopts 2026–27 budget
- Development
New Development Application Support Service for residents
Council introduced a Development Application Support Service to help residents lodge development applications through the NSW Planning Portal, offering one-on-one assistance with the online process and checking that required documentation is uploaded correctly.
What this means for you: If you are planning a new home, renovation or shed that needs council approval, you can book an appointment at the Condobolin or Lake Cargelligo office before lodging. Appointments are arranged through council's Environment and Planning Department on (02) 6895 1900.
Source: Lachlan Shire Council — Council introduces Development Application Support Service
- Waste
Domestic waste disposal is free at council waste facilities for loads up to 3m³
Council reminded residents that domestic waste disposal at all of its waste facilities is free of charge for loads up to three cubic metres per visit. Commercial waste, tyres and asbestos are excluded and are charged under council's Fees and Charges schedule.
What this means for you: There is no kerbside bulky-waste collection in Lachlan Shire, so this is how most households clear a trailer load. Opening hours: Condobolin 10am–4pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Lake Cargelligo 8am–12noon and 1pm–5pm Thursday to Sunday; Tottenham 8am–5pm Monday (or Tuesday when Monday is a public holiday), Friday and Saturday.
Source: Lachlan Shire Council — Free domestic waste disposal available at council waste facilities
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Lachlan Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.