Gilgandra recently held their first council meeting of the new year, where the newly elected councillors gathered for the first time to vote in the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the incoming term, with Doug Batten and Ash Walker taking up the roles for another stint. 

In the meeting, Doug Batten returned as Mayor for his twelfth year, with Ash Walker joining him once again as Deputy Mayor, 

Mayor Batten said that the upcoming years will be busy, with plenty of projects in the pipeline for the shire. 

“There’s certainly a lot on with the commencement of the Inland Rail construction…it’s taking a lot of the council's focus at the moment. Other projects we’ve currently got underway are the Information Centre and the repurposing of the target building in the main street, and the new library,” Mayor Batten said. 

While there is plenty to be done, his biggest concern for the shire is remaining financially sustainable, with changes to rate pegs this year some of the lowest ever recorded. 



“Every year, financial sustainability and management is a challenge, particularly next year where the rate peg is 7.07 per cent. On Gilgandra’s rate base, that’s close to a bit over $35 thousand,” Mayor Batten said. 

Overcoming this obstacle and balancing financial feasibility with a thriving town, will be made easier at the hands of a fresh council ready to take on the next term. 

“We’ve got a new council who I think are very enthusiastic, they’ve got a broad base of experience and life skills. We might have to make some hard decisions but I think we’ll be up for it,” Mayor Batten said. 

Within the new council are returners Brian Mockler, Greg Peart and Noel Mudford, joined by four new councillors Gail Babbage, Amber Bunter, Ian Freeth and Paul Mann. 

The Council will be considering its Community Strategic Plans, and over the coming months will engage with the community to develop these plans for adoption. Residents are encouraged to be part of these discussions, and previous Have Your Say surveys will be used through this process.