Coolah-raised Lindsay Mason has been appointed Warrumbungle Shire Council's new General Manager after Roger Baily resigned from the top job in October 2024.

Mr Mason was selected following a closed extraordinary council meeting at Coonabarabran on 5 March.

He joined the council in June 2022 and has been working as Director of Corporate and Community Services.

"This has provided some great insight into the issues that affect the communities with whom we work," Mr Mason said.

"I think we have a fantastic Shire and some great community minded individuals live and work here. There are plenty of people willing to work together to make our communities a better place to live, and we’re here to support that."

Mr Mason went to the central school in Coolah and began his local government career in 1989 as an expenditure clerk at Coolah Shire Council, which merged with Coonabarabran into Warrumbungle Shire in 2004.

Mr Mason said he's preparing for the council's operating plan and budget for the 2025/26 financial year. IMAGE: Warrumbungle Shire Council

He worked eight years with Coolah before spending time at Dubbo, Cabonne and Narrabri shires.

At both Narrabri and Warrumbungle, he has stepped in as Acting GM when needed.

Mr Mason said his short-term priority is to prepare a "responsible" 2025/26 budget "to allow Council to live within its means."

"Money is always tight in smaller rural councils, with competing needs for scarce resources," he said.

"In the longer term, Council is currently preparing to review the Warrumbungle Community Strategic Plan 2022-2037, and we will shortly be asking for feedback from the community.

"This strategic document sets out the longer-term goals that Council will be aspiring to, so keep an eye out."

Mr Mason said his goal is to avoid applying to the NSW government to raise the rate cap set for local councils every year.

He says aging infrastructure and water security were "big issues" for the council, plus the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

The zone's approval paves the way to construct infrastructure that connects large-scale renewable energy projects to the electricity grid.

The state government gave planning approval last year for the zone, which covers Dunedoo, Mendooran and Coolah.

"The Directors and I are continuing to monitor and assess possible impacts from the REZ on behalf of the community," Mr Mason said.

Warrumbungle mayor Kathryn Rindfleish said she is pleased to have Mr Mason on board.

"While we have made some positive ground of late, the appointment allows Council to take the next steps for our region," Cr Rindfleish said.

"Lindsay brings with him a wealth of knowledge, as well as an understanding of the Shire’s challenges, community and opportunities."