RENEWAL, CONNECTION, PROGRESS: COUNCIL REFLECTS ON ITS FIRST YEAR
Published on 29 October 2025
The first year of the elected Glen Innes Severn Council for 2024–2028 has been one of renewal, connection, and progress — marked by decisive leadership, strong community engagement, and a clear vision for long-term sustainability.
Since being sworn in on 10 October 2024, the Council, led by Mayor Councillor Margot Davis and Deputy Mayor Councillor Carol Sparks, have worked collaboratively with fellow Councillors to strengthen financial sustainability, improve access to healthcare, advocate for rural reform and equity, as well as plan a pipeline of legacy projects that will deliver lasting benefit to the community.
“This first year has really been about laying strong foundations — rebuilding trust, reconnecting with our community, and setting a steady course for the future,” Cr Davis said. “Everything we’ve done has been guided by local voices and a shared purpose — shaping decisions together so the outcomes genuinely reflect our community’s hopes and priorities.”
Leadership for Renewal
The beginning of this term of Council brought a fresh perspective and renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and financial recovery following several challenging years for local government across NSW. Early actions included reviewing financial sustainability measures, improving governance systems, and embedding risk management and reporting reform to support informed decision-making.
Changes in Council’s elected representatives — with Cr David Scott and Cr Anne Vosper joining the team — have broadened representation and ensured diverse perspectives continue to guide local policy.
Council has also reaffirmed its commitment to leading by example — upholding respectful conduct, civility, and good governance as the foundation for public trust and effective decision-making. At the state and national level, Council has led by example in rural advocacy, pushing for structural reforms that improve fairness, transparency, and sustainability for all regional councils.
Internally, all Executive Management Team positions are now filled, which has built a stronger leadership foundation — the General Manager is currently undertaking an organisational and cultural review to ensure the organisation is fit for the future.
Key appointments are now underway, including an Executive Manager of People and Culture and a Manager of Economic Development, reflecting a renewed focus on workforce capability, culture, and economic transformation. This growing leadership team will support Council’s long-term goals of delivering high-quality services, driving local investment, and building a resilient, values-led organisation.
Community and Connection
Community engagement has been placed at the heart of Council’s planning through Shaping Tomorrow, a major consultation process guiding the Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and Delivery Program 2025–2029.
Hundreds of residents participated through surveys, drop-ins, and village sessions — helping define long-term priorities for essential services, infrastructure renewal, financial sustainability, and cultural investment, including consultation on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) to secure future financial resilience.
Council also introduced Conversations with Councillors, a regular community drop-in series at Highlands Hub, creating more opportunities for residents to engage directly with elected members.
“We’ve made a conscious effort to open up our conversations — to talk not just about what Council is doing, but why it matters,” Cr Davis said. “Initiatives like Shaping Tomorrow and Conversations with Councillors are about building trust through dialogue and ensuring people feel genuinely part of the process.”
Voicing Regional Strength
Glen Innes Severn has emerged as a trusted regional voice, ensuring that rural perspectives shape policy at the highest levels. Over the past year, Mayor Davis has met with both Federal and State Ministers and written to the Prime Minister, NSW Ministers, and Federal representatives advocating for key reforms including:
- Fair Funding Reform – Restore Financial Assistance Grants to 1% and end cost-shifting
- Rural Healthcare Access – Build rural health workforce pipelines and housing incentives
- Critical Minerals & Clean Energy Transition – Position Glen Innes as a partner in the clean-energy economy
- Local Democracy & Safety – Support respectful engagement and the wellbeing of elected members so councils can govern effectively and confidently
- Systemic Reform & Equity – Ensure state and federal decision-making reflects regional realities and the challenges faced by smaller councils.
Council’s leadership was recognised through motions carried at the National General Assembly of Local Government, national media coverage of funding reform advocacy, and a Ministerial visit by the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, building trust that the Council’s leadership are on a strong pathway to achieving financial sustainability and its obligations under the Local Government Act 1993.
“Strong leadership is about using our collective voice — locally, regionally, and nationally — to make sure communities like ours are heard and respected,” Cr Davis said. “Our advocacy has been about partnership, about showing that small regional councils can help lead the way in building fairer, more sustainable systems for everyone.”
Building for the Future: A Pipeline of Legacy Projects
Council’s first year laid the foundation for the next generation of social, health, and cultural infrastructure. Projects underway include:
- Sale of land enabling a CT scanning facility and accommodation for healthcare workers
- Planning for the Office Co-location Project, Community Health Hub, and School of Music and Arts, initiatives that not only enrich community life but also attract investment, professionals, and young families to the region
- Continued development of the New England Rail Trail project as a signature regional tourism and wellbeing asset whilst remaining open to the return of trains in the longer term and the outcome of the NSW Government Strategic Integrated Transport Plans
- Drafting an industry-leading economic development strategy and plans to activate our destination to drive economic diversification including project like the Glen Innes Powerhouse and leveraging our status as the 3rd pilot Georegion in Australia.
Council also represented Glen Innes at the Regional Australia Institute’s Regions Rising Conference, advocating for local benefit-sharing in the renewable energy transition and highlighting the region’s role in the emerging clean-energy industries that can strengthen local jobs and business supply chains.
“Our focus is on creating the kind of legacy that lasts — places and opportunities that nurture health, creativity, and connection for generations to come,” Cr Davis said. “These projects are about investing in people and potential, and making sure progress feels inclusive and meaningful.”
A Strong Foundation for the Years Ahead
In its first year, Council demonstrated that practical, connected, and transparent leadership drives measurable progress. Key achievements include:
- Adoption of the Community Strategic Plan 2025–2035 and updated Long-Term Financial Plan
- Advocacy resulting in Ministerial engagement on local government reform and regional healthcare access
- Continued partnerships with local service providers supporting community wellbeing and inclusion
- Active participation in national policy discussions on renewable transition, workforce attraction, and rural sustainability.
As Council enters its second year, priorities include strengthening financial resilience, stimulating local business and industry diversification, and expanding the housing mix to meet demand while maintaining affordability. Council will continue to make responsible financial decisions, improve liveability, and attract professional families who contribute to the region’s social and economic vitality — all while delivering legacy projects and ensuring state and federal decisions reflect regional realities.
As the elected body guiding these priorities, councillors are committed to modelling the values they expect of others — respect, civility, and integrity — ensuring that sound governance, responsible stewardship, and collaborative leadership continue to underpin every decision.
“The strength of Glen Innes Severn lies in its people — in the way we show up for one another and for our community’s future,” Cr Davis said. “Our next chapter is about creating opportunity — growing local business, broadening housing choice, and enhancing the liveability that makes Glen Innes such an inviting place for families, professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. Progress happens when we listen, include, and build together.”
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