Central Darling Shire in far west NSW is set to hold its first council election in over a decade on September 20, marking a historic transition from administration.
The election will implement a new Rural and Remote Council model, featuring a hybrid structure of three elected councillors (one for each ward) and three appointed by the Minister for Local Government.
The NSW Government has committed $6 million in funding over two years to support the council’s transition and ensure long-term financial stability.
The funding will help build capacity and deliver essential local government services and infrastructure projects. Additionally, over $475,000 has already been provided to fund the upcoming election and support new councillors.
Central Darling Shire, which is the largest council by land size but has fewer than 2,000 residents, has been under administration since 2013 due to financial and governance issues.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig and Member for Barwon Roy Butler have collaborated to achieve this milestone, with Mr Butler emphasising that the model has the potential to include more elected representatives in the future, depending on community involvement and support.