NSW · Central West · Local council, made simple
Mid-Western Regional Council
A large Central West council centred on Mudgee — around 26,000 people across Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone, Kandos and a wide spread of villages, in a region known for its wine, its gold-rush and cement-town history, and coal mining. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, water, roads, libraries, parks — 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: 3.8%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 7 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyMid-Western's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
5 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate — read the context
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Des Kennedy
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) 6378 2850
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~26,000 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Mid-Western Regional Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Development
Council begins Mudgee Town Centre growth strategy and master plan
Mid-Western Regional Council is asking residents, workers and business owners to help shape a long-term growth strategy and master plan for the Mudgee town centre, guiding development over the next 20–30 years. A community survey is open via the council's website, closing 15 May 2026, with draft outcomes expected mid to late 2026.
What this means for you: The plan will influence how Mudgee's CBD and surrounding areas can grow and change; the council's page sets out how to take part in the consultation.
Source: Mudgee Guardian — Mudgee Town Centre: Council maps future, balancing character
- Policy
Residents invited to propose projects for the 2026/27 budget
Mid-Western Regional Council opened its annual 'Community Plan Proposal' process, inviting residents to suggest projects for the 2026/27 budget between 24 November 2025 and 9 January 2026. Mayor Des Kennedy described it as the simplest way for residents to tell the council what they would like to see happen in the region.
What this means for you: It is a formal channel for residents to put forward local project ideas for council consideration in next year's budget; the council's page explains how to lodge a proposal.
Source: Mudgee Guardian — Mid-Western residents: Share ideas for 2026/27 budget
- Development
Council revives Mudgee indoor pool project with new design work
Mid-Western Regional Council voted at its October 2025 meeting to restart the long-delayed Mudgee indoor pool project, allocating $45,000 for updated design and feasibility work to test cheaper options and alternative sites. The council has said the full project would require state or federal funding.
What this means for you: The design work is an early step, not a commitment to build; it will report back on likely cost, siting and how the project might be funded.
Source: Mudgee Guardian — Funding challenges in Mudgee's pool project revival
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