NSW · Riverina / Snowy Mountains · Local council, made simple
Snowy Valleys Council
A large rural council in the Riverina and Snowy Mountains — around 15,000 people across Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adelong, Batlow and the surrounding villages, built on timber/forestry, agriculture (Batlow apples) and Snowy Hydro. The council runs the local services you use every week — waste, roads, water, parks, development — and sets your rates. Formed by a 2016 merger, it is now being de-amalgamated back into separate Tumut and Tumbarumba councils. 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: 4.3%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
Meets 6 of 9 OLG financial benchmarks
Open →Crime & safetySnowy Valleys' recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
5 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Julia Ham (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: 1300 275 782
Open →Council profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~14,955 (2023–24)
Open →What's happening
3 updatesRecent items from Snowy Valleys Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Chief Transition Officer appointed to lead de-amalgamation
Nicole Jenkins was named as Snowy Valleys Council's inaugural Chief Transition Officer, commencing in April 2026 to lead the organisational split that will re-establish the Tumut and Tumbarumba areas as separate councils.
What this means for you: A dedicated officer is now responsible for planning the split — budgets, staffing and services — ahead of the two new councils expected on 1 July 2028. The NSW Government has made a $5 million grant available to help cover an estimated $4.8 million transition cost.
Source: Region Riverina — Snowy Valleys names transition chief
- Policy
Residents vote to de-amalgamate Snowy Valleys Council
At a November 2025 constitutional referendum, 87.28% of voters supported de-amalgamating Snowy Valleys Council back into the former Tumut Shire and Tumbarumba Shire, reversing the 2016 merger.
What this means for you: The council area is set to be split back into two councils. The NSW Local Government Boundaries Commission recommended the split and the Minister accepted it; the two new councils are expected to be formally established on 1 July 2028.
Source: NSW Government — support to hold referendum on de-amalgamation
- Policy
IPART refuses Snowy Valleys' special rate variation application
IPART refused Snowy Valleys Council's 2024–25 special rate variation application, which had sought to raise general income by a cumulative 42.38% over three years. The standard rate peg applied instead.
What this means for you: The proposed above-peg rate increases did not proceed. IPART found the council had not demonstrated a financial need or that the impact on ratepayers was reasonable; the determination is linked below.
Source: IPART — Snowy Valleys Special Variation Application 2024–25
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