Council plant hire rates
CENTRAL Darling Shire Council staff are reviewing current hire rates on the council fleet (vehicles and plant equipment) based on predicted usage (hours or kilometres), purchase price and ongoing costs.
The purpose of the review is to ensure that council is recovering all expenditure including depreciation and the return on investment. Going forward, a process will be put in place to ensure that plant hire rates are reviewed annually considering current costs, depreciation and the rate of return.
Plans and budgets adopted
CENTRAL Darling Shire Council’s total 2025-2026 budgeted operating expenditure will be $25.4 million.
Capital expenditure will be $17.691 million. The budget identifies total revenue of $36.015 million.
This includes grant and contributions funding of $27.569 million.
The council will operate at a deficit $992,000. However, because of this year’s September 20 election, the New South Wales Government will provide $6 million in funding to council.
This will be delivered over two years, to assist the council in achieving long-term financial stability.
Ordinary rates have been increased by the approved IPART rate peg of 5.3 per cent.
This increase applies to water, sewerage, and waste collection.
Tilpa water supply
GOVERNMENT funding will be sought to achieve compliance of the Tilpa water supply system.
While funding is being sought, Central Darling Shire Council will maintain operations as usual.
A report was provided to council about the provision of raw water to Tilpa village, including the current condition, functionality, and limitations of the existing water infrastructure.
The Tilpa water supply system, while operational, does not comply with the Water Supply Code of Australia and continues to provide untreated water at no cost to residents.
Land transfer to Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council
CENTRAL Darling Shire’s general manager has been authorised to sign the necessary documents to enable the land transfer of 17 allotments contained within the Mallee Estate to the Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC).
The general manager identified the allotments in the Mallee Estate, Wilcannia, as surplus to council’s needs and suitable for reclassification to enable their transfer to the WLALC.
Several of these allotments contain infrastructure owned by WLALC or other Aboriginal organisations and are largely surrounded by WLALC land.
WLALC has received funding under the Roads to Home Program to upgrade infrastructure, but progress may have been impacted by existing council land ownership.
Child Safe Policy adopted
THE draft Child Safe Policy and Child Safe Complaints Management Policy was adopted by Central Darling Shire Council.
Staff developed the policies in alignment with the national Child Safe Standards, state and federal legislation.
The policy outlines how council will prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
Workforce Diversity Equity and Inclusion Plan 2025 – 2028
A CENTRAL Darling Shire Council Workforce Diversity Equity and Inclusion Plan 2025 – 2028 has been adopted.
This plan applies to working with council and supports other council policies including the Respectful Workplace Behaviours Policy and Workplace Diversity Policy.
White Cliffs water restrictions
LEVEL 3 Water Restrictions were recommended for White Cliffs. The town water supply is sourced from the Wakefield Tank. Wakefield Tank storage supply is estimated at four months’ supply remaining.
There is no emergency supply for White Cliffs.
Only 6.2mm rainfall was recorded for the first half of June 2025. Level 3 water restrictions commenced on Friday, June 27.
