Message from the Mayor - April

Published on 01 April 2026

One could be forgiven for thinking we are living in Queensland, with hot and humid weather and storm-like rain events! However, some areas remain dry, which continues to be of concern.  

Agriculturally, the corn harvest is underway, cotton is progressing through its growing phases, and while rice production is lower this season, it is still very green. The 32% water allocation has meant hard calls for growers. Added to this, the ongoing challenge of diesel availability is having a profound effect on farming operations.  

Global uncertainty also weighs heavily on our region. As a Local Government Area driven by agriculture, we are particularly exposed to issues such as water security, diesel availability, certainty of inputs and the escalating costs of all three, as well as increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Les DeMamiel, Russell Fisher and John McKenzie. Each made a significant contribution to the Coleambally community, both in business and socially. On behalf of Council, I extend our deepest sympathy to their families and the wider community.

The Jerilderie Fun Fair held on 7 March attracted a crowd of over 700 people and was a great afternoon’s entertainment. Congratulations to Cypress View Lodge in Coleambally, which recently celebrated 30 years of service and care. This facility plays a vital role in supporting residents to remain in their community. 

This month has been incredibly busy with water engagement and advocacy, particularly with the current review of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. We are working closely with RAMJO on a submission. I encourage you to have your say on the plan. Just head to the Murray Darling Basin Authority website. Consultation closes on 1 May 2026. 

We have also been participating in discussions around rural and regional health, where the challenges facing our communities continue to be highlighted. 

Council continues to see interest from renewable energy proponents. While these developments present opportunities, they also create a level of uncertainty and distress to many of our landholders and the general community.

As an organisation, Council remains focused on delivering services in a financially responsible way. Like many organisations, we are facing increased costs and working hard to find efficiencies without placing additional burden on the community. 

As part of this, we recently undertook an organisational review to strengthen service delivery and improve the way we operate. The next stage is to explore further opportunities to work more efficiently. 

One option currently on the table is a compressed four-day work week for most Council operations. This would involve staff working their full-time hours over four days, Monday to Thursday, with Council offices, depots and the library closed on Fridays. Importantly, essential services would continue as normal.

Given the size of our Council area – covering almost 7,000 square km – travel is a significant factor in all operations. This proposal has the potential to deliver productivity improvements of around $1.1 million annually, largely by reducing the need to mobilise and demobilise plant and equipment for 26 working days each year. With our average work site located around 80 km from our depots, this change would allow more time to be spent on productive work rather than travel. It would also provide more consistent availability of indoor staff throughout the week, with no rostered days off impacting service access. 

You can find more information in the survey sent to all households. I encourage residents and businesses to share their views.

Looking ahead, free Tech Savvy Seniors sessions will be held across our towns during April and May. These sessions provide practical support in using devices, accessing online services and staying safe online. More information is available on our website or at any council office.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter. Our roads will be busier than usual during this period, so please take extra care when travelling.

Regards

Ruth McRae OAM

1 April 2026