Country Mayors Conference reinforces that communities outside big cities are left behind with essential services

Last week’s Country Mayors Conference reinforced what many of us in rural NSW already know—when it comes to essential services like health care and roads, communities outside the big cities are too often left behind. Speaking directly with the Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park, and listening to other rural mayors, it has become clear that Narrabri Shire is not alone. Whether it is the reduction of services at Wee Waa Hospital, reduced funding for biosecurity services in the shire or the attempted removal of pathology services at Narrabri (which were thankfully reversed), regional people deserve better.

The NRMA’s Funding Local Roads report, released last week, is a timely reminder that councils maintain 75 per cent of Australia’s road network but receive just four per cent of the total tax take. That imbalance simply does not stack up.

Closer to home, our roads team have been working flat out following the widespread wet weather early in April. For most of the month, all unsealed roads across the shire were closed due to safety concerns. Most have now reopened, but a few still require more extensive repairs—Pine Creek Road, Ten Mile Lane, Poison Gate Road and Camerons Lane remain closed.

A reminder to those using Bald Hill Road at Ten Mile Creek—it is closed to heavy vehicles. We have had reports of tractors and other equipment moving signage and using the road anyway. I understand the pressure on our farming community, but this is a road safety issue. Continued damage may lead to a full closure.

Council’s Discounted Dog Desexing program, which returned this May, has been fully subscribed. Sorry to those who missed out—I would like to see the program return again soon. This initiative helps reunite lost pets and reduces pressure on our pound system. Please keep an eye on council’s website and Facebook page for future updates.

The latest PFAS test results for the Narrabri Town Water Supply have again confirmed levels well below national guidelines. Our town water remains safe to drink. Council will continue monthly testing and publish results online. NSW Health also recommends that private bore users consider testing their groundwater.

A few important reminders: the Draft 2025–2026 Communications Strategy is out for public comment until 5pm Friday, May 23. The Annual Business Survey closes this Friday, May 16 at 5pm. If you run a business in the shire, please take a moment to complete it—you could also win one of two $200 Why Leave Town gift cards.

Next week is National Volunteers Week. A morning tea and awards event will be held Thursday, May 22 at 10am in the RSL auditorium, where we will announce the 2025 Narrabri Volunteer of the Year. Please visit council’s website if you would like to attend.

A quick note that The Crossing Theatre is temporarily closed until 9am Friday, May 16 for fire safety upgrades. Thank you for your patience—we look forward to welcoming you back for a weekend of films and food at The Crossing Café.

Finally, council is seeking expressions of interest for casual trade and plant hire during May and June. It is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved in upcoming projects—forms are on council’s tenders and EOI page.

As we celebrate National Volunteers Week next week and move into the colder months, I am reminded once again of the resilience and warmth of our community. Whether it is volunteering your time, helping a neighbour clear a fallen branch, or simply showing patience on a damaged road, it is these small acts of thoughtfulness that keep our shire strong.

We are a community that gets on with it, helps where needed, and stands up for what matters. That is something worth carrying with us into the months ahead.