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
34 updatesAuto-collected from Walgett Shire Council's public channels and drafted in plain language (pending review).
- Policy
Australia Day Awards - Nominations Now Open!
Walgett Shire Council invites the community to recognise the extraordinary people, volunteers, sporting achievers and community groups who make a positive difference across our Shire. The 2027 Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those who go above and beyond.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Council stands firm on roaming dogs and staff safety
Walgett Shire Council is standing firm on its increased enforcement of roaming dog and companion animal laws, while warning that abuse, intimidation and threats directed towards Council staff will not be tolerated.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Election
Walgett Shire's First Female Mayor Honoured with NSW Leadership Award
Walgett Shire Council is celebrating a significant achievement after Councillor Jane Keir OAM was named the recipient of the Excellence in Councillor Leadership Award at the 2026 Ministers' Awards for Women in Local Government, held at NSW Parliament House on Thursday 22 October.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Event
Service NSW is coming to Collarenebri
Visit the Mobile Service Centre to access services like: Driver Knowledge Tests - Driver licence, mobility parking and photo card applications - Working with children checks - NDIS Worker checks - birth death marriage ce
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- Policy
Permanent Closure – Access Track Between Rubbish Tip Road & Bate Street
The informal access track between Rubbish Tip Road and Bate Street will be permanently closed from Monday 26 October 2026
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Council meeting
Council Meeting Highlights - 20 October 2026
The Ordinary Meeting of Walgett Shire Council was held at 10:00am on Tuesday, 20 October 2026 at the Walgett Shire Council Chambers, 77 Fox Street, Walgett. The meeting was presided over by Deputy Mayor Greg Rummery while Mayor Jasen Ramien was on leave.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Community helping shape a safer, more welcoming Fox Street
Ideas shared by Walgett residents, businesses and local organisations are helping shape the next stage of Council's Amazing and Accessible Walgett project for the southern end of Fox Street.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Boil Water Alert - Lightning Ridge
Boil Water Alert - Lightning Ridge
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Have your say
Have Your Say: Preserving Walgett's History
Walgett Shire Council and the Walgett Historical Society are inviting the community to have their say on a draft Memorandum of Understanding aimed at protecting and preserving Walgett’s historical collections for future generations. The proposed partnership would support the ongoing care of the collections, maintain community access and recognise the valuable role of the Historical Society and its volunteers.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐩?
New Reuse Hub at the Walgett Waste Facility Help us keep useful things out of landfill. Walgett Shire Council will soon be introducing a new Reuse Hub at the Walgett Waste Facility (early 2027).
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Council meeting
Council Meeting Highlights - 22 September 2026
The Ordinary Meeting of Walgett Shire Council was held at 10am on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 at the Walgett Shire Council Office, 77 Fox Street, Walgett. The meeting was presided by Mayor Jasen Ramien.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Proposed Road Closure (Section 38B, Roads Act 1993) - Part of Kaolin Street, Lightning Ridge
Notice is hereby given that Walgett Shire Council proposes to close a section of public road known as Kaolin Street, Lightning Ridge, pursuant to the provisions of Part 4, Division 3 of the Roads Act 1993.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Waste
New Community Bins for Lightning Ridge
Council is introducing new, larger blue community bins in Lightning Ridge, providing a Council-managed waste service for residents without access to kerbside collection.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Break-in will not stop Council crackdown on roaming dogs
Break-in will not stop Council crackdown on roaming dogs
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Development
Development Proposal - DA 2026/26
Walgett Shire Council is seeking community feedback on a Development Application for a proposed 5MW solar farm at 647 Come By Chance Road, Walgett. The application is on public exhibition from 7 to 21 September 2026, with submissions closing at 5:00pm on Monday, 21 September.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
New Generators to Strengthen Community Emergency Preparedness
New Generators to Strengthen Community Emergency Preparedness
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Walgett Artesian Cooling Baths Fast Tracked for Summer
Great news for Walgett! Council is fast-tracking the installation of new Artesian Cooling Baths, giving local families a much-needed place to cool down, come together and enjoy this summer.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Safer Cities - Your Voice Matters - Come Have a Yarn
Walgett Shire Council is partnering with Transport for NSW on the Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program to help improve perceptions of safety in public spaces and transport hub precincts. What would help you feel more comfortable and confident moving around Walgett, day and night?
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
Council Cracks Down on Roaming Dogs
Walgett Shire Council is strengthening enforcement against roaming and aggressive dogs following several serious incidents across the Shire. Dog owners are reminded to secure, microchip and register their animals and keep them on a lead in public—or face fines and further regulatory action.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Policy
LIGHTNING RIDGE BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED
LIGHTNING RIDGE BOIL WATER NOTICE LIFTED
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Event
What's On Weekly Newsletter
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What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- 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
- Policy
Fairer sewer charges for Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri
I thank my fellow Councillors for their decision today to support my Mayoral Minute to reduce the annual sewer access charge across Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — News
- Event
WAMS Baby Expo 2026
You're invited to the Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Baby Expo 2026
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- 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
- Event
July School Holiday's in Walgett
Check out all the events happening across two big weeks in the July school holidays — from NAIDOC-inspired activities to Youth Group. See the PDF below for more details.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- Event
NAIDOC Week 2026
National NAIDOC Week celebrations — 50 Years of Deadly.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- 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
- Event
Local Contractors Workshop
📢 Local Contractors Workshop – Get Tender Ready! Walgett Shire Council is hosting a Tender Workshop to help local contractors prepare for upcoming opportunities 👇 🗓 Wednesday, 6 May 2026 ⏰ 6:30pm onwards 📍 Walgett Sporting Club 🍽 Catering provided 🔎 What you’ll learn: ✔️ Overview of the tendering process ✔️ How to navigate the Tenderlink portal (online submissions) ✔️ Work Health & Safety compliance requirements ✔️ Environmental compliance requirements 💼 Purpose: To support local contractors in understanding the requirements for the upcoming tender: T102627OROC – Provision of Plant and Equipment Hire This is a great opportunity to build your knowledge, ask questions, and feel confident going into the tender process.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- Event
School Holiday Planning Session
A great initiative happening in Walgett to bring the community together and plan a fun, engaging July school holiday calendar for local young people 🙌 If you’d like to run an activity, support an event, volunteer or sim
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- Event
Contracts 101 Training Course - Dubbo
Free Contracts 101 training session in Dubbo, designed to help regional businesses build confidence and capability when working with contracts. This practical session will cover the fundamentals of contract formation, key terms, risk management and dispute resolution, with insights tailored to procurement opportunities across government, renewable energy and major infrastructure projects.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- Event
ANZAC Day in Walgett Shire
ANZAC Day 🎖️🌅🪖 We encourage everyone across the shire to take a moment to reflect, attend a service, and pay their respects. Please see individual flyers for services in the Shire.
What this means for you: Open the source to see the details and any deadline to respond.
Source: Walgett Shire Council — Events
- 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.
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