NSW · Murray / Riverina · Local council, made simple
Murray River Council
A large, thinly populated rural council that follows the Murray River along the NSW–Victoria border — around 13,600 people across townships like Moama, Mathoura, Barham, Moulamein and Wakool. Formed in 2016 from the Murray and Wakool shires, its economy runs on irrigated agriculture (dairy, rice), red-gum timber and river tourism, with Moama — opposite Echuca in Victoria — the main growth centre. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, water, roads, 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.
2025–26 rate peg: 5.3%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 5 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetyMurray River's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
7 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you, by ward — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: John Harvie (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.
Council: 1300 087 004
Open →City profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~13,600 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Murray River Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Council adopts 2026–27 budget with a $5.79M operating deficit
Murray River Council adopted its 2026–27 Operational Plan and budget — about $78.18M in operating revenue against $74.46M in expenses (a $5.79M operating deficit), a $30.73M capital works program, and a 3.2% general rate rise in line with the IPART rate peg.
What this means for you: Your general rates rise by 3.2% for 2026–27. The budget funds services and a large capital works program (including asset renewal and a Moama Water Treatment Plant upgrade); the projected operating deficit reflects the council's heavy reliance on restricted grants.
Source: Riverine Herald — Council signs off on 2026–27 budget
- Policy
Draft Development Contribution Plan on public exhibition
The council placed a simplified draft Development Contribution Plan on exhibition, replacing a plan more than a decade old. It moves to a fixed-levy model — a percentage of total development value (around 0.5%–1% depending on scale) — with water, sewer and stormwater contributions managed separately. Submissions closed 24 March 2026.
What this means for you: If you're planning to develop, the contributions you pay towards local infrastructure would be calculated as a simpler percentage of your project's value. The exhibition period has closed; see the council's Your Say page for the plan and outcome.
Source: Murray River Council — Have your say: draft Development Contribution Plan
- Development
Draft Local Housing Strategy revision on exhibition
The council placed a revised Local Housing Strategy on public exhibition, setting out an evidence-based framework to manage population growth to 2046 — particularly around Moama — with staging of development, housing diversity and cross-border coordination. Submissions closed 8 February 2026.
What this means for you: If you live in or near Moama or the other townships, this strategy shapes where and how new housing can be built over the next two decades. The public exhibition period has closed; the council's Your Say page has the documents and outcome.
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