8 July, 2025
Winter is certainly a season that reminds us we live in the Armidale region! I especially enjoy those crisp mornings and beautiful clear days.
Regional Ramble provides an insight into some of the issues and activities that have been occupying me as the Mayor this month. What is front and centre? What are we championing on your behalf? Let’s get into it!
2025/26 Budget and SRV update
The key item on the agenda at the 30 June Council meeting was the budget for the 2025/26 financial year, alongside the four-year Delivery Plan and one-year Operational Plan. These important documents have been on public exhibition and outline what Armidale Regional Council aims to deliver over the next 12 months.
This year marks the first full year of the Special Rate Variation, which has significantly boosted Council's ability to maintain core assets such as roads, buildings, and parks, while also enhancing local amenities to make our region a truly enviable place to live.
Council will receive an additional $9,255,000 in revenue through the SRV for the 2025–2026 financial year.
A detailed breakdown of projects funded through the SRV in its first two years is now available on Council’s website. The 2025–26 SRV expenditure plan is currently being finalised, with notable projects including the continued widening and sealing of Rockvale Road and refurbishments to several local museums.
The community can be assured that infrastructure improvements will be ongoing. Previously delayed projects—often constrained by limited funding or strict grant conditions—are now well and truly back on track.
National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
In the last week of June, I attended the ALGA conference in Canberra along with Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood, Cr Susan McMichael and Cr Eli Imad. The benefits of attending and being present at these gatherings are immense. In addition to the structured sessions, all of us to varying levels were able to connect with councillors from outside our region and share ideas around mutual challenges and possible solutions – an insular approach doesn’t help anyone.
For me, meetings I had with a group of central Queensland councils sparked ideas and jealousy. We were ostensibly meeting to discuss our approaches in dealing with government and developers as hosts of large-scale renewable energy projects. Many of the Queensland councils were well versed in what to do, as many of them have sizable mining interests in their LGA. But they were particularly interested in what we are doing around structured community benefits that are expected to flow from renewable developers. The jealousy part came when we were discussing financials and once again it was underscored that local government in regional NSW is structurally set up to fail and the NSW State Government (regardless of which party is in power) has absolutely no interest in changing this situation. I will end my comments here before I climb aboard a favourite hobby horse.
Launch of Business NSW's Housing Now! report
In June, I had the privilege of attending the official launch of Business NSW’s Housing Now! report for the New England North West (NENW) region, held at UNIPlan in Armidale.
The report presents a clear and actionable roadmap of immediate, short-term, and long-term policy reforms aimed at addressing the critical challenges of housing availability and affordability across our region. It was a valuable opportunity to share insights into how Council can actively support these initiatives—and, more importantly, to explore how we can work together to deliver meaningful improvements in housing outcomes for the Armidale Region.
The NENW region’s housing market is among the strongest performing across regional NSW and is geographically well positioned to support the housing crisis both within the state and interstate. Our region offers practical, on-the-ground solutions that align with the actions outlined in the Housing Now! report, including a growing appetite among residents for prefabricated homes.
Local businesses have already made significant investments and are actively supplying housing solutions across NSW and beyond. UNIPlan, in particular, has addressed key home ownership challenges through a streamlined prefabricated home manufacturing and delivery process designed for affordability and speed. Their partnership with the Commonwealth Bank also enables favourable lending policies, helping more home buyers enter the market.
Council is proud to be aligned with the report’s recommendations through:
- Residential and employment growth areas ready for development
- Strong partnerships with local industry
- Streamlined and efficient planning pathways
- Support services for developers, businesses, trades, and households
The launch event highlighted the strength and readiness of our region to lead in housing innovation and delivery. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Business NSW, UNIPlan, Frame Truss Australia and other local partners to ensure that the Armidale Region remains at the forefront of housing solutions in NSW.
Two special public places (re)open in Armidale!
The opening of two special public places was a fabulous reason to be outdoors on a brisk Armidale winter’s day last week! I was pleased to gather alongside councillors and Federal Member Barnaby Joyce MP, with Team ARC’s project teams and people from across our community to celebrate these moments
Albion Park Pedestrian Bridge, originally built in 1933, officially reopened to the public following a major reconstruction project. The much-loved timber suspension bridge had been closed since 2023 due to flood damage and termite infestation.
I’m very glad that our community has retained this local landmark, which has both heritage and community significance – and have enjoyed learning more about its history thanks to Judy Grieve (Armidale and District Historical Society) and hearing several people share their memories of good times on the bridge!
A little further along the Creeklands, the newly expanded Curtis Park Playground also officially reopened – just in time for the school holidays.
Curtis Park Playground opened in 2020 and was already a popular place for families when Council presented the possibility of growing the facility. I'm proud that this expansion was designed and delivered based on extensive community feedback - and pleased that special guests at the opening included contributors to community consultations, students from Armidale City Public School.
Now that it is open, it's been wonderful to see so many children and families enjoying the expanded playground!
Youth Centre opens in Armidale
It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of Trackside, Armidale’s newest Youth Centre and Community Services Hub, which marks a significant step forward in providing vital support services to our region.
Formerly known as the Old Navel Cadets building, the facility has been officially renamed Trackside and will be managed by the Women’s Shelter Armidale (WSA), a specialist homelessness service provider. WSA will offer short-term crisis accommodation and a range of essential support services for individuals and families doing it tough in our community.
The opening of Trackside reflects our shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for young people and vulnerable residents. It also highlights the power of collaboration between local government and community organisations to deliver meaningful change.
As Mayor, I’m proud to see initiatives like Trackside come to life—providing not only shelter and support but also hope and opportunity. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this hub will have on the lives of many in the Armidale region.
Rockvale Road upgrades - connecting regional roads
Armidale Regional Council (ARC) continues to strengthen critical transport links across our region, with the recent completion of upgrades to Rockvale Road marking another milestone in our commitment to safer, more resilient infrastructure.
On 15 February 2023, ARC was awarded a $2.7 million Fixing Local Roads grant to upgrade and bitumen seal a 2.2 km section of Rockvale Road, located between 33.49 km and 35.69 km from the Armidale end. Works commenced on 10 June 2024 and were completed on 9 December 2024.
Delivered by Brycon Civil, the project involved full pavement reconstruction and sealing, with a significant upgrade to stormwater infrastructure. Ten new culverts were installed after inspections revealed that all existing culverts were damaged beyond repair and unable to support construction equipment.
Rockvale Road has long served as a vital link between Armidale, Guyra, and Ebor, supporting freight, agriculture, and local travel. Over recent years, Council has sealed several gravel sections and improved safety infrastructure, enhancing access and reliability.
The next phase of upgrades will begin in August 2025, focusing on a 1.9 km stretch near Boundary Creek. Planned works include:
- Widening the road to 8.5 metres for improved usability and safety
- Upgrading stormwater drainage with new culverts and causeways
- Realigning sharp curves and steep gradients to improve visibility and reduce crash risk
- Installing safety infrastructure such as signage, barriers, and line marking
- Implementing environmental safeguards including erosion control and hydroseeding
- Ensuring ecological oversight during vegetation clearing to protect local flora and fauna
These improvements are funded through Council’s Special Rate Variation and the NSW Government’s Towards Zero Safety Program.
ARC’s investment in Rockvale Road is part of a broader strategy to better connect critical regional roads, supporting economic growth, community access, and emergency response capabilities. As we continue to upgrade key transport corridors, we remain focused on delivering infrastructure that meets the needs of our residents and strengthens the resilience of our region.
A thriving Business Chamber vital for a healthy business community
A healthy, functioning business chamber is vital for a strong and cohesive business community.
I am pleased to see that efforts are underway to revitalise the Armidale Business Chamber. While it’s still in its early stages, it’s encouraging to see local community members taking the initiative to rebuild a network that can deliver real outcomes for local businesses.
Business chambers play a key role in fostering collaboration, promoting growth, and strengthening the voice of our local business community. I’m committed to working alongside both emerging and established chambers in Armidale and Guyra to better understand and respond to the needs of our region’s businesses.
Council is backing the redevelopment of the Armidale Business Chamber in a supportive role. Our team has been working with some motivated businesses to assist however we can. Once it’s up and running, I look forward to seeing our local businesses step in, connect, and help shape a thriving and resilient business ecosystem.
Ask Us Anything!
Councillors and I have been continuing to enjoy the chance to catch up with people over a morning coffee and 'chew the fat'. Thank you to everyone who joined Councillor McMichael and me at Herdies last week!
These sessions are an important part of how we stay connected and transparent with our residents. I look forward to the next one which is in Guyra next week!
Councillor Imad and I will be at:
- Kimmy's Kitchen, 120 Bradley St, Guyra
- 8am till 9.30am, Wednesday 16 July
Please pop in with your questions and thoughts (or just for a chat!) if you're nearby.
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