The peak body for local government in NSW has welcomed the announcement that the Central Darling Shire community will have the opportunity to vote for their local representatives on 20 September after more than a decade in administration.
Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the announcement was a win for local democracy.
"This is tremendous news for the community of Central Darling Shire. A decade is far too long to be without local representation, and I know the community will be eager to have their voices heard at the ballot box once again," Mayor Miller said.
"The Shire will operate under a new Rural and Remote Council model, made possible by legislation passed last year. However, it is critical that this model must not be expanded to any further councils," she said.
NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig made the announcement in Wilcannia in the state's far west on Wednesday.
Under the new model, three councillors will be elected by the community and three will be appointed by the Minister for Local Government.
Mayor Miller said LGNSW understood the unique circumstances of Central Darling Shire and wished to particularly thank the outgoing Administrator, Mr Bob Stewart, for his extensive efforts on behalf of the community.
"Central Darling Shire is the largest local government area in NSW with one of the smallest and most dispersed populations. Councils right across NSW are grappling with financial sustainability, but in Central Darling, the challenges are particularly stark," Mayor Miller said.
"LGNSW particularly welcomes the NSW Government's commitment of $6 million in the 2025-26 State Budget to support the council's transition back to elected representation," she said.
"I wrote to Minister Hoenig seeking financial support for the council, and it is very welcome that LGNSW's advocacy on this issue has been heard," Mayor Miller said.
Mayor Miller said LGNSW looked forward to ongoing collaboration between the NSW Government, the community, and the new council to ensure the financial and democratic future of the new council.
