The August meeting of Carrathool Shire Council began with heated debate over the council's 2025-2026 Community Grants Scheme. Councillor MS Armstrong initially moved that late and ineligible applications should not be accepted, but the motion lapsed due to lack of support.

Councillor NJ Smith successfully countered with a motion to accept all applications, including those submitted late or deemed ineligible, which passed by four votes to three after being seconded by Councillor GR Peters.

The council ultimately approved $23,957.98 in community grants across the shire, with funding distributed among:

• Goolgowi: $4,348 for projects including vacuum cleaner, defibrillator, and Christmas tree
• Hillston: $13,276 for various community projects including hospital equipment, sports facilities, and arts council fixtures
• Rankins Springs: $4,833.98 for golf club refrigeration, recreation ground upgrades, and school equipment
• Carrathool: $1,500 for campdraft yard improvements

During closed council sessions, several significant infrastructure projects received approval:

• Bringagee Road Upgrade: Council approved a major rehabilitation project costing $1,169,000 to provide a 7-metre wide seal over 12.67 kilometres. The project will utilise $378,000 from Roads to Recovery funding and $790,000 from the local road reserve.
• Hillston Water Tower Issues: Following problems with the water tower's 2022 relining, council resolved to pursue warranty claims, take the tower offline temporarily, and review operations in early 2026 whilst considering additional storage options.
• Goolgowi West Water Supply: A community meeting will be arranged to discuss water supply options with residents.

The council approved substantial plant and equipment replacements totalling over $800,000 in changeover costs:

• Mini Excavator: Trading a Hitachi 1.7 for a new Kubota 1.7S with accessories ($36,050 changeover)
• Water Tanker: Replacing an Isuzu with a new UD 6x4 bogie drive system ($261,027.45 changeover)
• Prime Mover: Trading a Kenworth 409 for a new Kenworth T909 with sleeper cab ($353,821.45 changeover)
• Padfoot Roller: Replacing a 20-tonne Multipac roller ($159,000 changeover)

• The council approved several smaller funding commitments:
• $1,000 donation to Hillston Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
• $90 refund for Active Farmers' Hillston Hall hire
• $80 fee waiver for South West Arts event at Carrathool Hall

General Manager Review: A performance review for General Manager Rick Warren was scheduled for September 2025, to be conducted by the full council following the ordinary meeting in Hillston.

Transport Issues: Council agreed to lobby through local member Helen Dalton for a bus stop and 80km/h speed limit in Tabbita, and seek input into road works on the Kidman Way.

The council noted its statement of bank balances as at 31 July 2025, confirming payments totalling $3,449,458.25. Budget revotes of $203,000 and $1,201,841 were approved for the 2025/26 financial year.