Carrathool Shire Council held its ordinary meeting at Goolgowi Council Chambers on Tuesday October 212025, with Mayor DL Jardine presiding over discussions that covered significant infrastructure decisions and operational matters affecting the shire.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting concerned the provision of clean water to residents of West Goolgowi.

Council resolved to provide clean water to ratepayers in the area with a contribution split equally between council and residents. Under the arrangement, ratepayers will pay $2,800 per water service, representing 50 percent of the total cost of $5,600 per service. To fund the ratepayer contribution, council will implement a special levy of $280 per annum over 10 years commencing in the 2026-27 rating year. The water usage charge will match the current potable charge for Goolgowi at $1.27 per kilolitre. Council plans to inform affected ratepayers of the determination and will hold another meeting with them if necessary to reach consensus on the decision.

Council also approved the purchase of new infrastructure equipment, agreeing to acquire a four tonne lime spreading unit from Guidolin Machinery for $38,000. The purchase will be funded from the plant reserve, adding to council's capacity to maintain and improve local road infrastructure.

In planning matters, council approved Development Application DA2026-005 for the use of land to install a manufactured home. The application was approved subject to a range of conditions covering building work, drainage requirements and flood protection measures. Council also noted determinations for other development applications received during September 2025.

The meeting addressed council's contributions plan under Section 7.12, adopting a works program and projects list that prioritises infrastructure needs across the shire. The program includes $100,000 each for sewer augmentation and water augmentation in Hillston, $100,000 for park upgrades in Goolgowi, and $1 million designated as high priority for roadworks to address traffic concerns across the shire.

Council approved office closure arrangements for the Christmas and New Year period. Council offices, the library and depots will close from 3pm on Wednesday December 24 2025 and reopen on Monday December 29 2025. They will then close again for Friday January 22026 before reopening on Monday January 5 2026.

Mayor Jardine's report to council included discussion about the future of the Western Division Association of Councils. Council resolved to participate in discussions regarding the organisation's future and to apply for full membership if it continues to operate.

During the closed session of the meeting, council considered matters relating to Lake Woorabinda, resolving to defer any new user agreement until proposed actions to rectify a leak near the aquatic club are undertaken. Council also agreed to transfer available water to the lake providing satisfactory rectification of the leak occurs and soil testing supports the action taken.

Council also reviewed and approved placing the draft Staff Gratuity Policy on public exhibition for 28 days, with provisions to adopt the policy after the exhibition period if no submissions are received.

The meeting noted various operational reports including the Community Development Officer report, Infrastructure report and Plant report. Council also noted the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee and Internal Audit Annual Report for 2024-25 from the chairperson and endorsed it for inclusion in the annual report.

The next ordinary meeting of Carrathool Shire Council will be held on Tuesday November 18 2025 commencing at 9.30am, with a citizenship ceremony scheduled for 9.45am at the Hillston District Office. The October meeting concluded at 12.30pm.