Five Headlands Coastal Experience

Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service are working to deliver the Five Headlands Coastal Experience, an iconic project that will connect four of the Macleay Valley Coast's national

Crescent Head Foreshore Project

The home for all engagement information on the Crescent Head Foreshore Project and Community Advisory Group.

Latest Update

After consulting the Crescent Head Advisory Group and the community in November-December...

Kempsey Development Control Plan Review

The Kempsey Development Control Plan (DCP) is a document that provides guidance and requirements for development that should be taken into account when preparing a Development Application (DA). If you’re

Kemp Street Sports Complex to Terry Giddy Sports Complex?

We are considering renaming the Kemp Street Sport Complex to Terry Giddy Sports Complex.

Update

The consideration to rename the Kemp Street Sport Complex to Terry Giddy Sports Complex, is...

reVITALise - Kempsey Railway Station Precinct

Update the Kempsey community has been busy reimagining the future of the Kempsey Railway Station precinct as part of the reVITALise - Public Transport Precinct Vibrancy program.

Through online...

Arakoon Road Planning Proposal

Planning Proposal for 154 Arakoon Road (Lot 9 DP1219664) South West Rocks

Overview

To amend the Kempsey Local Environmental Plan 2013 Land Zoning Map, Lot Size Map...

Kempsey Airport – Fly Neighbourly Advice (FNA) Review 2025

Kempsey Shire Council is undertaking a review of its Fly Neighbourly Advice (FNA) – the guidelines that help ensure aircraft operations around Kempsey Airport are carried out with consideration for...

Kempsey Shire Council Flood Policy 2024

The Draft Kempsey Shire Council Flood Policy outlines a framework for floodplain management in flood-prone areas surrounding the vast Macleay River's reach and flow.

Council Meeting Outcome

At the ordinary...

Expression of Interest - Australia Day Awards Committee

Kempsey Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the local community who wish to join the Australia Day Awards Committee.

Overview

The committee comprises:

Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025/26

Delivery Program 2025-2029

The 4-Year Delivery Program is where the community’s strategic goals are systematically translated into actions.

It identifies the principal activities to be undertaken by the council to...

Kempsey Library Branch upgrade

WHY ARE WE DOING IT?

Kempsey library branch is getting a face-lift to help us offer new services and spaces as it is one of the most loved and used...

Kempsey Libraries 5-Year Strategic Plan

We know that our libraries are important to you and the community. Help us shape the direction and focus of library services for the next 5 years.

WHAT ARE WE...

Your Future Libraries

WHAT ARE WE DOING?

Kempsey Shire Council is working on reinvigorating and reimagining what our shire's library spaces and services will look like in the future.

WHY ARE WE DOING...

2021 Macleay Seniors Festival

The 2021 Macleay Seniors Festival was a great success!

We thank the community for their participation and can't wait to welcome you all back next year.

2021 Youth Week

The 2021 Youth Week was a great success!

We thank the community for a wonderful time and can't wait to welcome you back for the 2022 Youth Week.

Flood Recovery

In March 2021 and 2022 the Kempsey Shire experienced two major flood events.

Kempsey Shire Council and a range of government agencies and charities are here to help our community...

Local Growth Management Strategy

The Local Growth Management Strategy is being reviewed before being presented to a future meeting of Council for adoption.

Have we captured the character of your town? 

The public exhibition...

Draft Operational Plan 2021-2022

BACKGROUND

The adopted Operational Plan 2021-2022 can be found HERE

The 2021-22 Operational Plan is the summary of all the actions, programs and services that Council will deliver in the...

Macleay Sustainable School Grants

We thank all schools and educational groups who submitted grants. The successful applicants are listed below.

Horseshoe Bay Reserve revitalisation

Horseshoe Bay Reserve one step closer to a stunning new look

The South West Rocks community will soon have a detailed vision of the future as design works have begun...

Frederickton

FREDERICKTON

Residents of Frederickton know their riverside town, home to the famous Fredo's Pies, is an emerging and understated village. Fredo is forever growing and evolving into a vibrant destination...

Kempsey

KEMPSEY

Kempsey is the major service hub of the Macleay Valley. Kempsey is a blend of old-world charm and thriving regional riverside town, and is well-known as the home of...

Stuarts Point

STUARTS POINT

A fisherman's paradise, Stuarts Point offers endless opportunities to cast a line, enjoy canoeing or kayaking. The small, peaceful town has a strong sense of community spirit. This...

Estuary Coastal Management Programs

Council is preparing new management plans for the Macleay River, Killick Creek and Korogoro Creek

Kempsey Shire Council is reviewing and updating the Estuary Coastal Zone Management Plans for the...

Bellbrook

BELLBROOK
The old, mountain village - also home to Slim Dusty- is a true surprise and delight of the Macleay Valley. This heritage-listed village is a delight, and the warmth...

Proposed Interim Traffic Management Options - Sturt Street (between McIntyre and Hill Streets)

On 16 June a Report to Council was presented

Council resolved to

1. support the recommendation of the Local Traffic Committee meeting 2nd June 2019, and

2. include Sturt St...

Kempsey Shire Biodiversity Strategy

We thank community for having their say on managing Biodiversity in the Macleay Valley. Council received over 50 submissions that are currently being reviewed.

West Kempsey Pump Track

Residents of all ages joined the West Kempsey Pump Track Committee to officially launch the popular Pump Track on the 4th December...

Communicating with you!

Kempsey Shire Council adopted the Corporate Communications Strategy in June 2017.

We thank the community for their feedback and sharing their ideas.

River Festival 2016

On 24 September, 2016 over 3,000 people enjoyed a family day out at Riverside Park Kempsey for a celebration of art, culture and music at the Macleay River Festival.

With...

Estuary Entrance Management - Reviewing the Coastal Management Plan

New Entrance Management Plans for local estuaries

We thank community for their feedback in helping develop the Entrance Management Plans as part of the Coastal Management Plan (CMP).

You can...

Sustainability strategy gets the green light

Update: 29 September, 2022

Sustainability Strategy gets the green light 

The final Sustainability and Resilience Strategy was adopted at the September council meeting. To view the strategy click here

During...

Proposed cemetery and burial fees

A Cemeteries Strategy for changing times

Council’s cemeteries provide an important service to the local community in times that are often confronting and difficult. Cemeteries also play an important role...

Middleton Street Corridor Concept

Kempsey Shire Council is currently preparing a concept plan for the Middleton Street Corridor between Lachlan Street and West Street.

 The concept plan follows closely the concept developed in the...

Reconciliation Action Plan

Marrungbu!

We had an amazing response from the community on our Reconciliation Action Plan.

Council's first Reconciliation Action Plan

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and...

Agribusiness Industry Plan (AIP) 2021 - 2026

We thank community for their feedback on the Agribusiness Industry Plan (AIP) 2021 - 2026. 

The Agribusiness Industry Plan (AIP) 2021 - 2016 has been adopted by Council. 

Black Summer & Beyond book and online exhibition

In 2020 Kempsey Shire Council assembled and presented the Black Summer & Beyond exhibition which toured the Shire.

It was an outstanding success, receiving praise across the Shire and winning...

What is the future of housing development in Kempsey Shire?

How should Council plan for predicted population growth?

Does the community support more diverse and affordable housing across the Shire?

Council recieved 143 submissions for the Local Housing Strategy survey....

Planning for growth in South West Rocks

Who did we hear from? 

Council has received 414 submissions to the South West Rocks Structure Plan and 139 submissions for the Local Housing Strategy. The results are currently being...

Readiness and Recovery

Have you or your community been impacted by the recent natural disasters to affect the Kempsey Shire?

Are you looking for information on how to be ready for future events?

...

What do you want Kempsey Shire to be like in twenty years?

2042: Your Future - Community Strategic Plan

What do you want Kempsey to be?

We have heard from over 1700 community members over the last 5 years about their vision...

Rental Assessment and Rebate

Kempsey Shire Council provides a wide range of community facilities which help meet the diverse needs of its residents. It also owns or manages land upon which community facilities have...

Crescent Head village and foreshore upgrades

Do you love the Crescent Head Foreshore and Village Centre?

Like all living, vibrant communities Crescent Head is a permanent work in progress and work is underway to upgrade the...

How can our Shire be more inclusive and accessible?

Will our DIAP help make Kempsey Shire a more accessible, inclusive and liveable community?

The Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) was Adopted at the May 2022 Council Meeting. 

We thank...

Crescent Head

Crescent Head

As residents of Crescent Head know, our coastal village is a unique and special place in the shire and the wider region. For the visitor, the unique cultural...

What's the first thing we need to do in our 4 year plan?

Making your rates work for you

The Integrated Planning and Reporting Suite was adopted at the June 2022 Council Meeting. 

Read the Adopted Delivery Program and Operational Plan and...

NAIDOC Week Celebration Grants

Let's celebrate NAIDOC Week!

Grants of up to $500 are available to help bring your event or activities to life.

Why is Council providing this funding?

Council understands the importance...

How do we balance economic and environmental growth?

How do we balance employment growth, while preserving our natural and cultural assets?

There are many things that make living in Kempsey Shire special, and we want to make sure...

Hat Head

HAT HEAD

Hat Head, especially Hat Head National Park, is a natural paradise. The beaches, sand dunes, rainforest and wetlands offer an ideal backdrop for bushwalking, camping and picnics. Residents...

How can we improve the vibrancy and safety of our laneways?

How might we use our laneways differently?

How can they be part of a vibrant streetscape where our community feels safe, connected and have something to smile about?

Laneways are...

Will these actions improve our estuaries, rivers and open coastline?

How should we manage our coastal catchments? 

Will these actions improve our coastal waterways?

Coastal Management Plans (CMPs) provide sustainable plans for our coastal areas. They include strategies for the...

Do you support the actions to protect the natural environment of Little Nobby?

Did you know over 900 people visit Little Nobby daily during Summer?

Do you support the actions to protect the natural environment of Little Nobby?

What have we heard?

Community...

A new Code of Meeting Practice

Have your say on the draft Code of Meeting Practice

Residents are invited to have their say on a new draft Code of Meeting Practice.

Councillors workshopped the draft before...

Draft Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy

Have your say on the draft Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy

Residents are invited to have their say on a draft Councillors Expenses and Facilities Policy.

Councillors discussed the draft...

When should Kempsey have an Australia Day event?

How the engagement was carried out

Commencing 26 January, Council launched a survey asking “When should Kempsey have an Australia Day event?”.

Attendees at the 2023 Australia Day Citizenship and...

Waste Management Strategy

The Waste Strategy was adopted at the April 2023 meeting of Council.

How the engagement was carried out

The Waste Management Strategy 2022 - 2032 was on public exhibition from...

Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan

The Local Infrastructure Contributions Plan is being reviewed before being presented to a future meeting of Council for adoption.

Council has undertaken a review of its developer contributions plans with...

South West Rocks Structure Plan

The South West Rocks Structure Plan is being reviewed before being presented to a future meeting of Council for adoption.

The draft Structure Plan was...

Horseshoe Bay Revitalisation: Community Hub

We had a strong community engagement in this survey and the results are now being compiled.

Should we add a cafe in Horseshoe Bay?

As the next phase in the...

Community survey

Do you have an interest in the airport?

For updated information on the Kempsey Airport Master Plan please see Kempsey Airport Master Plan 2042.

Meeting with stakeholders

As part of Kempsey Shire Council’s commitment to engage with...

Community Engagement Strategy

The Community Engagement Strategy was adopted at the December 2022 meeting of Council.

Have your say… on how you have your say!

As a community member do you feel you...

Have we got the right plan for Kempsey Airport?

Kempsey Airport Master Plan 2042 was adopted at July 2023 Meeting.

During the adoption process, two key changes were incorporated into the Master Plan, demonstrating the Council's commitment to safety...

Take 5 minutes to make Kempsey Shire’s roads safe

We want to know what Kempsey Shire's road users and pedestrians are most concerned about in 2023.

As the Kempsey Shire continues to thrive, our population is growing, and more...

Annual Budget 2023-24

Operational Plan 2023-24 on exhibition

Kempsey Shire Council has developed an Operational Plan to guide Council's actions over the next financial year.

The 2023-24 Kempsey Shire Council Budget includes:

• $46.89...

A plan for Our Creative Macleay

Across the Kempsey Shire we enjoy a wide range of creative and cultural experiences from events, galleries, performances and creative venues. Council works with local community and creatives to deliver...

Are we kicking goals with plans for Verge 1?

An exciting transformation for Verge 1 Sporting Field into an elite regional sports complex is in the works.

The aim of this is to enhance local sports and community events...

Conserving Koalas for years to come

The Kempsey Koala Habitat Mapping project goal is to create maps that show where koalas live in the Kempsey Shire. These maps will provide vital information to plan for the...

Kempsey Shire Aquatic Strategy

Our Financial Future

Investigation into financial sustainability

Between August and October 2023 Council engaged with our community as part of an investigation into whether an application would be made to IPART for a...

Alcohol Free Zone - Renewal

Kempsey Shire Council is seeking to understand the community’s needs in relation to Alcohol Free Zones, and specifically the suitability of the locations the zones cover.

We are seeking feedback...

Draft Aquatic Strategy 2023-2033

Draft Aquatic Strategy 2023-2033

Kempsey Shire Council, supported by Locale Consulting, has concluded its initial investigation, stakeholder engagement, and research into our aquatic services and infrastructure, and have drafted the...

Kempsey Road Safety Strategy

SAFETY ON OUR ROADS

The Strategy has been developed on Council's behalf by specialist Road Safety consultants Safe Systems Solutions Pty Ltd.

The strategy has been developed to help us...

Council Managed Crown Land - Draft Plan of Management

Lower Macleay River Floodplain Risk Management Study

Protecting our future against flood events

How should we manage risks for future flood events and how can we better plan and prepare for future flood events?

Kempsey township and...

Applying to IPART for a Special Rate Variation

Councillors resolved at the November 2023 ordinary meeting to proceed with a Special Rate Variation application to address financial sustainability and a forecast $79 million deficit over the next 10...

Lower Macleay Flood Risk Management Study and Plan

The Lower Macleay Flood Risk Management Study and Plan

Lower Macleay Flood Risk Management Study and Plan – Project Completed

The Lower Macleay Flood Risk Management Study and Plan is...

Crescent Head Holiday Park Revised Concept Plan

Council, as Crown Land Manager, manages five Macleay Valley Coast Holiday Parks (MVCHP) within the Shire, operated through a management lease with Australian Tourist Park Management (APTM), a subsidiary of...

Integrated Planning and Reporting 2024-25

Council is required to adopt a new suite of annual integrated planning and reporting (IP&R) documents by 30 June 2024.

Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) is an umbrella term for...

Crescent Head Foreshore Community Advisory Group

Expression of Interest

The Crescent Head foreshore is an iconic space and a major drawcard for locals and visitors alike. It acts as a promenade similar to the role main...

Lower Macleay Flood Risk Management Study and Plan exhibition

What do you think of the proposals for flood management on the Lower Macleay

The Draft Lower Macleay Flood Risk Management Study and Plan has been completed and is now

Proposed charges for Council electric vehicle charging stations

What do you think of the fees that will be charged to those using electric vehicle charging stations?

Change to Fees and Charges

At the most recent Council meeting on...

40km/h speed limit proposed for Stuarts Point town centre

Latest Update

Council endorsed at its December 2024 meeting the following recommendation of the Local Traffic Committee (LTC).

The Committee supports the draft final designs for Stuarts Point 40kmh High...

South Kempsey Park Draft Master Plan

South Kempsey Park Draft Master Plan

Overview

The community are invited to provide feedback on proposed plans for South Kempsey Park Draft Master Plan

The proposed plan includes the following:

South West Rocks High Performance Centre Master Plan

We want to know your thoughts on the plans being proposed for the South West Rocks High Performance Centre.

Overview

The community are invited to provide feedback on proposed plans...

Willawarrin Recreation Ground Draft Master Plan

The Willawarrin Recreation Ground Draft Master Plan project is awaiting funding.

Overview

The community are invited to provide feedback on the proposed plans for the Willawarrin Recreation Ground Draft Master...

Yarrahapinni Land Release Area - Chapter E4 of the DCP

Update on the Yarrahapinni Land Release:

Kempsey Local Environmental Plan 2013 amendments, to amend the land zoning and minimum lot size, came into force...

Grassy Head Playground Upgrade

Thank you for your feedback. (August 2024 update)

After receiving mixed feedback from the community about the playground upgrade, we carried out a community engagement process to gather community views...

Shaping Our Future and Council Priorities Survey

Have your say to help shape our future community and Council priorities.

Community Strategic Plan 2045: Your Future and Community Engagement & Participation Strategy

Preparing for the new term of council

Under the Integrated Planning and Reporting guidelines, at the beginning of a new council term, council is required to review and update key...