Positive feedback about general manager appointment

I have received a great deal of positive feedback from the community and staff about the appointment of Eloise Chaplain as general manager.

Eloise has served as interim GM since August last year and brings a calm, capable, and experienced hand to the role.

Her technical background, infrastructure delivery experience, and deep understanding of our organisation place her in a strong position to lead Narrabri Shire Council through its next chapter.

Last Thursday, across Narrabri Shire and the nation, we paused to mark Anzac Day.

I want to sincerely thank all those who attended or took part in commemorations—whether at dawn services, mid-morning marches or school ceremonies in the days prior. It was a very memorable day and a moving reminder of the sacrifice and service of our veterans, both past and present.

The turnout across the shire was outstanding, and our community’s commitment to honouring the Anzac legacy remains as strong as ever.

Last week also marked the official opening of the $7.84 million Pilliga Road upgrade. I joined the Minister for Roads, the Member for Barwon, and our new general manager to inspect the completed works and celebrate this milestone.

The 20-kilometre upgrade between Pilliga and Wee Waa, funded by federal and state governments, has significantly improved road safety and freight efficiency.

I also took the opportunity to raise the serious flood damage across our local road network, and to thank both levels of government for their recovery support.

With the federal election approaching, rural and remote councils across New South Wales are watching closely to see how candidates are addressing key issues.

Cost shifting from higher levels of government to councils continues to place enormous strain on already stretched budgets.

Local government is taking on more responsibility without adequate funding, especially in road maintenance, community infrastructure and regulatory enforcement.

At the same time, costs are rising sharply. In Narrabri Shire, we maintain a vast local road network with limited resources.

Gravel, fuel, labour and plant costs have all increased substantially, yet road funding has not kept pace. It is important to note that while council raises around $22 million annually in rates, our road maintenance budget alone is close to $20 million. That leaves little room to address new priorities without additional government support.

Health services are another critical issue. Our rural hospitals, including Wee Waa and Narrabri, have been under growing strain. Councils are not health providers, but we are strong advocates.

We hear firsthand the fear and frustration when services are downgraded or removed altogether.

There are also blurred lines between responsibilities—hospital operations typically fall under the NSW government, while doctors, specialists and broader workforce supply are federal matters. It is not a simple system.

Shortages of doctors, nurses and allied health workers directly affect our hospitals. Meanwhile, restrictive policies from closed shops like the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners make it extremely difficult to attract and retain the GPs we need in the bush.

Even when doctors are recruited, they often face barriers to practising at our hospitals as Visiting Medical Officers due to outdated credentialing rules.

Access to childcare is also a major barrier in our region. Families in Narrabri and surrounding towns struggle to find affordable, reliable childcare. This limits workforce participation and puts pressure on local employers.

Candidates seeking to represent regional areas must offer real solutions—not just promises, but policy, funding and reform.

On the local front, council’s Draft Communications Strategy 2025–2026 is now on exhibition. This is our first formal strategy for communication and sets a clear direction for how we engage with our community.

Feedback is open until May 23, and I encourage everyone to have their say.

Council is also rolling out VendorPanel, our new procurement platform that will streamline the way we manage tenders and quotes. Information sessions will be held on May 6 and 7 at the

Narrabri Aquatic Centre. Local businesses are encouraged to attend—it is a great opportunity to supply council.

The Annual Business Survey closes on May 16. Businesses across the shire are encouraged to share their views and go into the draw to win one of two $200 Why Leave Town gift cards.

Finally, a reminder about fire safety. As the days start getting colder and we switch on heaters and light up fireplaces, please make sure your smoke alarms are installed, in working order and compliant. It is a simple step that saves lives—check the batteries and test them today.