NSW · North West NSW · Local council, made simple
Walgett Shire Council
A vast north-west NSW council — about 5,500 people spread across 22,308 km² at the junction of the Namoi and Barwon rivers. Walgett is the council seat; Lightning Ridge, the centre of Australia's black opal industry, is its best-known town, alongside Collarenebri, Burren Junction, Carinda, Rowena, Cumborah and Come By Chance. The council runs the local services you use every week — water and sewer, waste, roads, parks, libraries, pools and bore baths, 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.
2026–27 rate peg: 3.3%
Open →Budget & financesHow financially healthy the council is, measured against official benchmarks.
5 of 9 OLG benchmarks met (2023–24)
Open →Crime & safetyWalgett's recorded crime rates, side by side with the NSW average.
1 of 12 major offences below the NSW rate
Open →Mayor & councillorsWho represents you — and where to read their official profiles.
Mayor: Jasen Ramien (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) 6828 6100
Open →Area profileThe basics: how many people live here, how big the area is.
Population: ~5,497 across 22,308 km²
Open →What's happening
5 updatesRecent items from Walgett Shire Council's public channels, in plain language.
- Policy
Sewer access charge cut by $500 for Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri
At its August 2026 meeting Council resolved, on a Mayoral Minute, to reduce the annual sewer access charge for Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri by $500 for 2026–27, on the basis that properties there maintain their own septic systems and discharge to a small-diameter sewer, rather than being connected to the conventional sewerage system and treatment plant at Walgett.
What this means for you: If you are a Lightning Ridge or Collarenebri ratepayer, your 2026–27 sewer access charge changes. Council said further information on how the adjustment will be processed for individual rates notices and accounts would be released once the administrative process was confirmed.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Fairer sewer charges for Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri
- Waste
New red-lid wheelie bins delivered free to every eligible property
Every eligible household and business in the shire receives a new 240-litre bin with a red lid, delivered free from 11 August 2026 over several weeks, based on Council's rates records. From 11 September 2026 only the new red-lid bins are collected at the kerbside.
What this means for you: Nothing changes about the service — same day, same schedule, same items accepted. You don't need to be home for delivery, and old bins don't have to be returned. If you haven't received a bin by 11 September, contact Council on (02) 6828 6100.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — New wheelie bins delivered free to your door
- Policy
Lightning Ridge boil water alert remains in place
E. coli was detected in the Lightning Ridge water supply in early June 2026 and a boil water alert was issued on 4 June. It was lifted on 15 June, a further detection occurred on 2 July and a new alert was issued. In its 17 July update Council said the alert remained in place while testing and investigations continued, and that it would only be lifted once Council and NSW Health were satisfied the water is safe.
What this means for you: While an alert is in place, water for drinking, food preparation, ice, cleaning teeth and pets' drinking water should be brought to a rolling boil and cooled, or bottled water used. Tap water is safe for bathing. Council has published a detailed FAQ on how the untreated artesian supply works and why clearance takes time; check the council's news page for the current status before assuming an alert has been lifted.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Lightning Ridge Boil Water Alert Update
- Policy
Council starts work on a shire-wide Crime Prevention Plan
Council engaged KJDM Consulting to develop a shire-wide Crime Prevention Plan and opened a Community Safety Survey. The consultants are consulting government agencies, local organisations and services across the shire, alongside a voluntary and anonymous survey open to residents.
What this means for you: Residents and community groups can contribute directly to the plan through the survey or by contacting Council's Planning, Environment & Economy team on (02) 6828 6100 or admin@walgett.nsw.gov.au.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Council moves forward on Shire-wide Crime Prevention Plan
- Policy
Council presses NSW Government on asbestos stockpiles at Namoi and Gingie
Council has publicly called for the removal of asbestos-contaminated material stockpiled near homes in the Namoi and Gingie villages, which it puts at around 40,000 cubic metres. In March 2026 the Mayor met the Minister for Lands and Property; Crown Lands advised that NSW Public Works was preparing a report on behalf of the Walgett Local Aboriginal Land Council, after which Council and Crown Lands would confirm how the work proceeds. Council has offered to project-manage removal to the licensed Walgett landfill.
What this means for you: The material and its management are a NSW Government responsibility rather than a council one; Council's role here is advocacy and an offer to manage disposal. Follow the council's news page for the next step.
Email alerts aren't switched on yet
We haven't started sending email, so we're not taking addresses for now. New items from Walgett Shire Councilshow up under “What's happening” above as we find them, each linked to its official source.