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
Moree Plains' direction is set out in its draft Community Strategic Plan 'Our Moree Plains, Our Vision to 2036' and a Delivery Program 2025–2029 with an annual Operational Plan and budget, shaped by a large ($41.2 million) capital works program, community-safety planning, and the ongoing needs of a large, sparsely populated rural shire on the Queensland border.
The council manages local roads, water and sewer, waste, parks, aquatic facilities and planning across a large rural LGA on the North West Slopes, with an economy built on irrigated agriculture (cotton, grain, pulses), livestock and artesian-spa tourism centred on Moree. Its Delivery Program is the elected council's statement of commitment for its term.
The council reported an operating surplus in 2023–24 (performance ratio 6.0%) with most liquidity and debt ratios passing benchmark, but own-source revenue (57.8%) and rates outstanding (10.7%) sit just outside the OLG benchmarks — themes likely to recur in its Long-Term Financial Plan.
Underway now
Community Strategic Plan — Our Moree Plains, Our Vision to 2036
Draft exhibited 2025; review required after each council electionCouncil's 10-year community strategic plan sets the shared vision and priorities for the shire, covering a vibrant community, a diversified economy, environmental sustainability and good governance. The draft was placed on public exhibition for 28 days with feedback invited by 28 May 2025.
Source: New England Times — Community Strategic Plan ready for community feedback
Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan
Revised plan exhibited Apr–Jun 2026Council's revised Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan was placed on public exhibition following its 16 April 2026 Ordinary Meeting, with submissions invited until 3 June 2026. The plan sets out proposed responses — including improved lighting and CCTV, family support services and expanded youth activities — developed through community consultation.
Recently delivered
Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) redevelopment — hot pools reopened
Reopened 9 April 2026The Passive and Active artesian hot pools at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre reopened on 9 April 2026 with a free community entry day, after a $3.223 million redevelopment funded by combined State and Federal grants ($1.567m) and council funding ($1.656m) since 2023.
Source: Moree Online News — Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre passive and active pools reopen this week