Council Update

Conversation with the GM

Building Futures Close to Home

For many young people growing up in regional communities, pursuing a professional career can often mean leaving home. But programs like the Charles Sturt University (CSU) Engineering Cadet Program are helping change that story by creating meaningful career pathways right here in our region.

Blayney Shire Council has been involved in the CSU Engineering Cadet Program since the inaugural Bathurst engineering cohort in 2017 and has seen firsthand the benefits it delivers for students, councils and communities alike. Council's Director Infrastructure Services, Jacob Hogan, indicates the program has been a tremendous success, providing a steady pipeline of skilled engineering professionals while giving students valuable real-world experience.

The cadetship model is simple but effective. Engineering students work four days a week with Council and dedicate one day to their university studies. This allows them to apply classroom learning to real projects, build practical skills and contribute to important local infrastructure outcomes while they study.

Importantly, the program is about more than developing technical expertise. It creates opportunities for young people to live, work and build their futures in regional NSW. By connecting education providers, local government and industry, the program strengthens regional communities and helps address long-term workforce challenges.

The results speak for themselves. Blayney Shire Council has supervised multiple cadets over the years and retained two of the original participants in ongoing full-time roles, with former cadets now serving as the Council's Development Engineer and Manager Operations.

Regional partnerships are at the heart of the program's success. Collaboration between Charles Sturt University, local councils and organisations across Central NSW is helping to develop the next generation of professionals while ensuring regional employers have access to skilled workers. These partnerships not only support workforce development but also contribute to the economic prosperity and resilience of regional communities.

For cadets, the program offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks and develop a deeper connection to the communities they serve. For councils, it provides access to enthusiastic, capable professionals who bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to learn.

Solar Sharer Offer

Good news for households looking to reduce energy bills. The Australian Government's new Solar Sharer Offer commenced on 1 July 2026, providing eligible households with three hours of free power each day through a regulated energy plan.

The initiative is designed to help households make savings on their electricity bills while making better use of available energy during designated periods. To help residents understand the offer, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has released information outlining how the program works, eligibility requirements and key details households need to know before applying.

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to impact many families, the Solar Sharer Offer may provide a practical opportunity for eligible households to reduce everyday expenses. Residents are encouraged to check their eligibility and learn more about how the program could help them manage energy costs.

Further information, including fact sheets and consumer guidance, is available through the Australian Government and the Australian Energy Regulator. For more information, head to https://www.energy.gov.au/rebates/solar-sharer-offer

Council Update

Council Meeting

The August Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held in the Chambers, Blayney Shire Community Centre, on Tuesday 25 August 2026, commencing at 6.00pm. Members of the community are welcome to attend. A copy of the Business Paper will be available on Council’s website prior to the meeting.

You can also tune in live

Public Exhibition

Following the July 2026 Ordinary Meeting, Council is seeking comment on the following draft documents which are on public exhibition:

• Restricted and Unrestricted Cash Policy
• Borrowings Policy

These documents are available for viewing and downloading on Council’s Documents on Public Exhibition page. 

Council is inviting written submissions to be received prior to 5.00pm Thursday 27 August 2026.

 

Development Proposal

Issued under Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Schedule 1

Proposed Development: Thirteen (13) Lot Subdivision (Opening of a New Road) 
Development Site:  Lot 204 DP603351 – 106 Davis Road, Browns Creek 
Applicant: Anthony Daintith Town Planning 
Consent Authority: Blayney Shire Council

Blayney Shire Council is in receipt of a Thirteen (13) Lot Subdivision involving an Opening of a New Road. The Proposed Subdivision is to be located at Lot 204 DP603351, 106 Davis Road, Browns Creek. 

The proposal is classified as Integrated Development under Section 4.46 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

The consent authority for the proposed development is Blayney Shire Council. 

Development Application 2026/0065 and associated documentation can be viewed at our DA Tracker or by visiting Councils Administration Building, 91 Adelaide Street Blayney, weekdays between 9.30am and 4pm.

Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing, stating the grounds for any objection, by 5pm, Thursday 27 August 2026. Submissions must be made in writing and must clearly indicate the following:

• Name and address of the person making the submission, including phone and email address.
• The submission should relate directly to the proposed development and if the submission is by the way of objection, it must state the reasons for objection.

Any submissions that you make to this proposal may be made available to the applicant for comment during consideration of the development application, names withheld.

 

Desexing/Microchipping Program

Did you know Council assists Blayney Shire residents with the cost of microchipping and/or de-sexing companion animals?

The microchipping and de-sexing program includes:

• Free microchipping
• $50 towards the cost of de-sexing of companion animals
• Max two companion animals per person
• Applicants must provide proof of residency within the Blayney Shire  

The program runs from now until all program funds are expended and can only be undertaken at the Blayney Vets. To book your pet in, please contact Blayney Vets at (02) 6368 2264.

 

Community Financial Assistance Program – 2026/27

Applications for the 2026/27 Community Financial Assistance Program are open. 

Local community organisations are invited to submit an application by 21 August 2026. Applications lodged before 14 August 2026 will be reviewed and applicants will be contacted in the event of any errors or omissions in applications.

The categories of financial assistance are:

• Recurrent financial assistance 
• Non-recurrent financial assistance (Up to $5,000 and more in exceptional cases)
• Flagship annual community project (Up to $25,000 for a major project)

Applicants are required to obtain a copy of the guidelines and complete the application form. 

Please note that Council does not consider requests for financial support (cash or in-kind) outside of this program. 

Guidelines and application forms are available from Council’s Community Financial Assistant Program page or from Council’s office.

 

Proposed Road Closing Under Section 38b Roads Act 1993

In pursuance of the provisions of the Roads Act 1993, notice is hereby given that Blayney Shire Council proposes to close the council public road listed in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1:

• Part of Errowanbang Road, Carcoar being Lots 11, 12 and 14 DP1216561 in the plan available for viewing at Councils offices or on Councils website.

Upon closure of the road, the land is to be vested in Blayney Shire Council.

All interested persons are hereby invited to make submissions concerning the proposal to the General Manager, Blayney Shire Council, PO Box 62 BLAYNEY NSW 2799.  Submissions to be received by: Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

Please note that under the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, such submissions may be referred to third parties for consideration.

Once the submission period is completed, Blayney Shire Council will consider all duly made submissions before deciding whether to continue with the road closure proposal.

For all enquiries please contact Jacob Hogan on (02) 6368 2104.