Council Meeting Highlights: February 2025

05 March 2025

Warren Shire’s Ordinary Council Meeting was held on Thursday 27 February 2025. Highlights from this meeting included: 

COUNCIL ASSESSES STORM DAMAGE IN NEVERTIRE

The recent storm in Nevertire caused power disruptions, temporarily affecting the water and sewerage services. Council quickly responded by setting up generators to restore services. As part of the ongoing disaster preparedness, Council is working with authorities to assess damage. 

APPLICATION TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM ROUND 8 

Council is working towards reducing mobile phone black spots in the area. A recent report suggested that lifting mobile towers in Nevertire, Haddon Rig, and Collie by 15 metres could improve coverage and eliminate black spots. This recommendation will form the basis of an application to the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program Round 8. Addressing these issues will ensure that residents and businesses have better access to reliable mobile services, which are vital for both personal and business communication. Improving mobile connectivity is a priority for Council, and the application aims to secure funding to improve telecommunications infrastructure across the Shire.

Despite facing early setbacks due to unexpected underground service relocations and the industry-wide December/January shutdown, construction is making steady progress. In February, the contractor resumed superstructure development following material delivery, successfully installing wall and roof frames along with supporting structural columns. The indigenous artwork paintings on doors continue to advance positively, with regular progress photos from the artist to be shared with members and Councillors. Project completion is now anticipated for late April to early May 2025.

WARREN LEVEE REHABILITATION PROJECT UPDATE

The $7.1M Levee Rehabilitation Project continues to make steady progress. The procurement phase for essential rock revetments is currently in process, along with the installation of new flood gates. Additionally, we are in negotiations with a contractor and about to award a contract to source 40 diesel trash dewatering pumps that will be strategically deployed as needed. Council initiated an open tender process in early February 2025 for the levee rehabilitation construction works. The mandatory pre-tender meeting on February 25th saw strong participation with eight contracting firms in attendance. The tender is scheduled to close on March 20th, 2025. Based on the significant interest demonstrated and the quality of contractor representation at the meeting, we anticipate receiving multiple competitive bids. Following a thorough assessment process, we expect to engage a contractor by April 2025.

COUNCIL APPROVES VARIATIONS TO THE UPGRADE OF MARTHAGUY AND NEWE PARK BRIDGES

Council has approved variations for the replacement of Marthaguy and Newe Park bridges. These vital infrastructure improvements include the installation of 5-cell box culverts to replace existing floodways, as well as the extension of four road approaches by 300 metres each. The total contract sum for these works has now risen to $4.26 million, reflecting the necessary adjustments to accommodate these critical upgrades. The project will be a significant investment in the area’s infrastructure, supporting both local and regional transport needs.

ALCOHOL FREE ZONE (AFZ) RENEWAL APPROVED

Council has approved the renewal of the Alcohol-Free Zone (AFZ) within the Warren Town Levee, effective from March 27, 2025. This four-year renewal will help continue promoting a safer, family-friendly environment in the area. The AFZ will apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to public spaces. Council will also install additional signage along footpaths and car parks to ensure residents and visitors are well-informed. NSW Police will be encouraged to enforce the powers associated with the Alcohol-Free Zone. This initiative is part of the broader strategy to maintain a healthy and secure environment for the community and reduce public disturbances.

As part of the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout, residents and businesses in Warren will soon transition from Fibre to the Node technology to fibre-to-the-premises, significantly improving internet speeds and connectivity. The Australian Government has extended the initiative providing free NBN access to families with school-aged children, offering the service until June 2028. This initiative aims to boost educational opportunities and bridge the digital divide in rural communities. The NBN is also working with Council to ensure future upgrades, improving service delivery and access for all residents in the Shire.

-ENDS-

Bradley Pascoe

Acting General Manager, Warren Shire Council 

council@warren.nsw.gov.au

Ph: (02) 6847 6600

Download the February Council Meeting Highlights as a PDF.

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