DEEPWATER’S LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AT THE HEART OF MASTERPLAN

Published on 04 September 2026

Deepwater has a strong identity, shaped by its people, heritage, river, businesses and community spirit. Now, the community is continuing to help turn those strengths into a practical plan for the village’s future.

The Deepwater Masterplan is one of the first major projects to progress from the Glen Innes Highlands Precincts and Activation Strategy, which was developed with community input to identify priorities and opportunities across the region. Building on that work, the Masterplan focuses on Deepwater's unique identity, strengths and future opportunities, with local knowledge continuing to guide every stage of the process.

Engagement for the Deepwater Masterplan steps up next week with four drop-in community sessions on Monday 7 and Wednesday 9 September. Residents are welcome to attend at any time during the advertised hours and stay for as long or as little as they choose. Each session gives the community the chance to dig deeper into topics already being discussed across Deepwater.

The sessions build on earlier conversations with residents, traders, business owners, community groups and others with a connection to Deepwater. They are another opportunity for people to share what they know about the village, what matters to them and where they see opportunities for the future.

Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis thanked the Deepwater community for the time, thought and local knowledge people have already shared.

“Deepwater’s greatest strength is its community. People know what makes the village special, where improvements are needed and what opportunities could make a real difference.”

“We are grateful to everyone who has already welcomed the project team, shared their experiences and contributed ideas. These next sessions build on those conversations and give the community more time to work through the practical details.”

“This is a plan being built with Deepwater. Every voice adds to our understanding of the village and helps make sure the Masterplan reflects the people who live, work, visit and spend time here.”

The Deepwater Masterplan looks at how the village’s identity can be more clearly recognised and supported through better public spaces, more community activity and events, and greater opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors.

Topics raised through the engagement so far include Deepwater’s highway arrival and village presentation, the river, public spaces, the railway station, footpaths and facilities, visitor needs, and opportunities for events and gatherings.

Residents are welcome to attend the sessions that matter most to them or come along to all four. There is no need to prepare anything or have specialist knowledge. What matters is knowing Deepwater and being willing to share an idea, experience or point of view.

Anyone unable to attend can still contribute through the online survey or pick up a paper survey from the Deepwater Post Office.

For more information or to arrange a conversation, contact Project Facilitator Kylie Long on 0433 531 433 or email kyliejlong@gmail.com.

Visit the Deepwater Masterplan Have Your Say page to complete the survey and learn more about the project.

Deepwater Masterplan

Community Drop-In Sessions

Media enquiries: (02) 6730 2314 | media@gisc.nsw.gov.au