News

Region’s transport priorities mapped out in new plan

KEY transport priorities for the North West region have been detailed as part of the state government’s Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan. The plan, described by the NSW government as a 20-year vision, defines the key transport priorities for the region to support community, land use and transport needs, now and into the future. Improving road safety and increasing public transport options, particularly between towns and villages, features as part of the list of initiatives for the region. Supporting day return journeys between towns is among the medium term initiatives which could be addressed in the next five to 10 […]

Jun 14, 2026

NarrabriShire facing $5.5m deficit

NARRABRI Shire Council is forecasting a $5.5m deficit in the next financial year, with staff citing rising costs, reduced grant funding and cost shifting from other levels of government among the key budget pressures. The council’s 2026–27 draft operational plan and budget was tabled at the May meeting, with staff addressing the seriousness of the matter. General manager Eloise Chaplain acknowledged that Narrabri Shire was not alone in facing financial challenges. “We are not unique here in Narrabri Shire, this is right across NSW,” she said, pointing to rising costs, ageing infrastructure, grant dependency and increasing cost shifting onto councils. […]

Jun 14, 2026

Nolan, Eather claim first place in Morton Memorial Stableford

THE Morton Memorial Mixed 4BBB Stableford was played on Sunday 31 May. Ken Nolan and Leisa Eather were the winners on the day, scoring 44 points on a countback. Runner-up was awarded to Margot and Peter Leitch on 44 points while Bob and Maree Taylor were third on 43 points, followed by Shane and Shannon Rily in fourth position on 42 points. Nearest to the pins were won by Jye Manton (on the fifth and 12th) and Drew Penberthy (on the eighth). On Saturday 30 May, an 18-hole Stableford Medley was played. A-grade was won by Scott Smith on […]

Jun 13, 2026

Council seeks clarity after Inland Rail project axed

NARRABRI Shire Council is seeking clarity from the federal government in relation to the recently axed Inland Rail project and its impact on the district. The Inland Rail project was a multibillion-dollar Australian infrastructure initiative designed to construct a 1600km freight rail line directly connecting Melbourne and Brisbane. Work had previously been completed on the section of the rail route between Narrabri and North Star, but had not begun on the 306km section between Narromine and Narrabri. In a mayoral minute tabled at the May council meeting, mayor Darrell Tiemens said the council would seek information about what the decision […]

Jun 13, 2026