Introduction
Kempsey Shire Council is the local government authority responsible for delivering public services, managing community infrastructure and supporting sustainable development across the Kempsey Shire and Macleay Valley in New South Wales, Australia.
The Council serves a growing population of more than 30,000 people across an area of approximately 3,381 square kilometres. Its responsibilities cover roads, water and sewerage, waste management, planning, recreation, libraries, environmental management, community development and local economic growth.
History and Background
Kempsey Shire is located in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales and forms an important part of the Macleay Valley.
The Thunggutti/Dunghutti people have lived in the region for thousands of years and maintain a continuing cultural and spiritual connection to its lands and waterways.
Kempsey Shire Council acknowledges the Thunggutti/Dunghutti Nation, pays respect to Elders and recognizes the responsibility of emerging leaders to guide the community’s future.
Recorded European settlement in the area began during the nineteenth century. In 1827, Captain Innes established a cedar-cutting operation on the Macleay River, north of Euroka Creek.
In 1836, Enoch William Rudder surveyed land for a town and named it Kempsey because the countryside reminded him of Kempsey in Worcestershire, England.
The settlement developed into a regional service centre supported by agriculture, forestry, transportation and trade along the Macleay River. Over time, local government institutions evolved to manage infrastructure, public health, planning and community services across the growing region.
Mission and Purpose
Kempsey Shire Council’s commitment is to lead and work with the community to build an inspired and connected Macleay Valley.
The Council’s purpose is to provide sustainable services, infrastructure and local leadership while responding to the social, environmental and economic needs of residents.
Its key responsibilities include:
- Providing drinking water and sewerage services.
- Maintaining local roads and bridges.
- Managing waste and recycling facilities.
- Assessing development applications.
- Undertaking land-use and environmental planning.
- Managing parks, playgrounds and sporting facilities.
- Operating libraries and community facilities.
- Supporting community organizations and volunteers.
- Promoting tourism and economic development.
- Managing public assets and infrastructure.
- Supporting disaster preparedness and recovery.
- Protecting the local environment and heritage.
- Encouraging community consultation and participation.
The Council’s Community Strategic Plan establishes the Macleay Valley’s long-term vision and priorities. The current plan was adopted in May 2025 following community engagement and covers social, environmental, economic and civic-leadership themes.
Governance and Structure
Kempsey Shire Council has nine elected representatives, consisting of the Mayor and eight councillors.
Residents elect the Mayor and councillors through New South Wales local government elections. These elected representatives establish strategic direction, adopt policies and make decisions on behalf of the community.
Kinne Ring was elected Mayor following the September 2024 local government election.
Role of the Mayor and Councillors
The Mayor is the Council’s principal spokesperson and performs civic and ceremonial duties. The Mayor also presides over Council meetings and participates in Council committees.
Councillors are responsible for:
- Representing residents and ratepayers.
- Participating in Council meetings.
- Making informed policy decisions.
- Setting strategic priorities.
- Adopting plans and budgets.
- Communicating with the local community.
- Monitoring the Council’s performance.
- Planning for the Shire’s future requirements.
Elected representatives do not manage the Council’s daily operations. Operational administration is the responsibility of the General Manager and Council employees.
General Manager and Administration
The General Manager leads the Council’s workforce and oversees implementation of resolutions, policies, plans and budgets.
Council employees deliver services through operational areas including:
- Infrastructure and engineering.
- Water and sewerage.
- Waste and resource recovery.
- Development assessment and planning.
- Corporate services and financial management.
- Community development.
- Environmental management.
- Recreation, culture and libraries.
- Tourism and economic development.
Committees and Community Participation
Kempsey Shire Council uses standing committees and community committees to support decision-making and local participation.
Standing committees consist of councillors and consider policy directions before making recommendations to Council.
Community committees include councillors and community representatives. They can advise on particular facilities, services or local issues.
Residents can participate by:
- Voting in local elections.
- Attending Council meetings.
- Joining community committees.
- Participating in consultations.
- Making submissions on plans and proposals.
- Providing feedback through Your Say Macleay.
- Reporting service requests and community concerns.
Funding and Grants
Kempsey Shire Council finances its services and infrastructure through several revenue sources.
These include:
- Property rates and annual charges.
- Fees for Council services.
- New South Wales Government grants.
- Australian Government grants.
- Loans.
- Investment income.
- Developer contributions.
- Water, sewerage and waste charges.
- Other operating revenue.
Council prepares annual budgets and a ten-year Long-Term Financial Plan to align its financial resources with community priorities, infrastructure requirements and expected service levels.
The Long-Term Financial Plan contains forecasts for income, expenditure, cash flow and the Council’s financial position. It is updated annually to account for changing economic conditions and community needs.
Community Grants Programme
Kempsey Shire Council’s Community Grants Programme provides financial support to eligible not-for-profit organizations and community groups.
The programme aims to build the capacity of local groups to plan, apply for and deliver projects benefiting Kempsey Shire.
Council’s published programme information has identified a total annual funding pool of approximately AUD 103,000, although available amounts and categories may change between funding years.
Applications are assessed competitively against published eligibility requirements and programme guidelines.
Community Projects Fund
The Community Projects Fund supports initiatives that strengthen local neighbourhoods, build social connections and improve community wellbeing.
Eligible activities may include:
- Minor improvements to community facilities.
- Purchase of equipment.
- Community programmes.
- Inclusion and participation activities.
- Local cultural or historical initiatives.
- Projects addressing an identified community need.
Sporting Fund
The Sporting Fund supports local sporting clubs and activities that encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
Funding may assist with:
- Sporting equipment.
- Minor facility improvements.
- Clubhouse upgrades.
- Seating and shade facilities.
- Equipment supporting club fundraising.
- Activities increasing community participation in sport.
Creative Macleay Fund
The Creative Macleay Fund supports arts, cultural and creative initiatives across the Shire.
It may fund projects that:
- Promote local artists.
- Increase participation in arts and culture.
- Deliver exhibitions or performances.
- Celebrate local identity and heritage.
- Strengthen the region’s creative sector.
- Improve access to cultural experiences.
Environmental Funding
Environmental funding has supported volunteer organizations undertaking restoration, preservation and environmental-management projects.
Eligible activities may include:
- Habitat restoration.
- Weed control.
- Native vegetation planting.
- Coastal and river protection.
- Environmental education.
- Biodiversity conservation.
- Community-based environmental monitoring.
NAIDOC Week Micro Grants
NAIDOC Week funding helps organizations deliver events celebrating the culture, history and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
These grants can support community engagement, cultural activities, educational events and local celebrations during NAIDOC Week.
Disaster Preparedness Funding
The Council has previously offered Get Ready grants to help local communities improve their ability to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
Supported purchases have included generators, satellite communication equipment and other resources needed before, during and after disasters.
Funding categories can change between rounds, so applicants should consult the current guidelines before preparing a proposal.
Macleay Grant Hub
Kempsey Shire Council provides the Macleay Grant Hub in partnership with Grant Guru.
The hub helps local businesses, community groups, nonprofit organizations and individuals search for external funding opportunities offered by governments, foundations, companies and other grant providers.
Major Programs and Initiatives
Community Strategic Planning
The Community Strategic Plan establishes the Macleay Valley’s long-term vision, goals and priorities.
Its implementation is a shared responsibility involving Council, government agencies, businesses, community organizations and residents.
The Council uses a Delivery Program, Operational Plan, Workforce Management Plan, Strategic Asset Management Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan to translate community priorities into funded actions.
Water and Sewerage Investment
Kempsey Shire Council manages major drinking-water and wastewater systems.
In 2026, Council highlighted a once-in-a-generation investment of approximately AUD 270 million in water and sewerage infrastructure.
These investments are intended to improve service reliability, environmental performance, public health and the long-term capacity of local infrastructure.
Roads and Bridges
Council manages an extensive local transport network, including approximately:
- 671 kilometres of sealed roads.
- 587 kilometres of unsealed roads.
- 149 bridges.
Its work includes road maintenance, bridge upgrades, drainage, traffic management and advocacy for safer walking and cycling connections.
Parks, Recreation and Sporting Facilities
Council manages approximately 97 parks and playgrounds, ten sporting fields and four swimming pools.
These assets support recreation, organized sport, community events and active lifestyles.
Libraries and Cultural Services
Kempsey Shire Council operates three libraries and supports cultural and educational activities throughout the Macleay Valley.
Council is also associated with major cultural and tourism facilities such as the Slim Dusty Centre, which includes a museum, visitor-information centre, exhibition gallery, café and event spaces.
Waste and Resource Recovery
Council manages a waste-management centre and three waste-transfer facilities.
Services include:
- Household waste collection.
- Recycling.
- Green-waste processing.
- Waste education.
- Resource recovery.
- Management of problem wastes.
- Illegal-dumping prevention.
Planning and Development
The Council assesses development applications and manages local land-use planning.
Its planning responsibilities include:
- Residential and commercial development.
- Development control requirements.
- Local environmental planning.
- Building and certification services.
- Strategic land-use planning.
- Heritage protection.
- Housing and infrastructure coordination.
An updated Kempsey Development Control Plan took effect on 1 July 2026 following public consultation and industry input.
Tourism and Economic Development
Council promotes Kempsey and the Macleay Valley Coast as destinations for tourism, business and investment.
The region includes Kempsey, South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Hat Head and surrounding coastal and rural communities.
Economic-development activities support:
- Tourism.
- Agriculture and agribusiness.
- Small businesses.
- Events.
- Employment development.
- Investment attraction.
- Town-centre improvements.
Environmental Management and Resilience
Council undertakes environmental protection and climate-resilience activities involving waterways, coastlines, biodiversity, waste, land management and disaster preparedness.
As a region exposed to floods, storms, bushfires and coastal hazards, Kempsey Shire requires coordinated emergency planning, infrastructure resilience and community education.
Impact and Examples of Work Funded
Kempsey Shire Council’s impact is reflected in its delivery of infrastructure, community services and grants across the Macleay Valley.
In the first round of the 2024–2025 Community Grants Programme, Council received 31 applications and supported 21 eligible organizations.
Examples of funded activities included:
- AUD 5,000 for a generator and public-address system for the Rotary Club of South West Rocks.
- AUD 1,500 for kitchen equipment for the Country Women’s Association in South West Rocks.
- AUD 2,420 to improve disability access at the CWA Kempsey building.
- AUD 2,000 for materials supporting the Love Bites programme delivered by Kempsey Families.
- AUD 4,650 for an Indigenous tennis camp organized by Kempsey Tennis Club.
- AUD 1,140 for blinds at a community hall.
- AUD 5,000 for security improvements at the South West Rocks Maritime Precinct.
The programme has also supported:
- Community arts and cultural activities.
- Environmental restoration.
- Sporting participation.
- Equipment for volunteer organizations.
- NAIDOC Week celebrations.
- Disaster preparedness.
- Community-building events.
- Minor facility improvements.
- Heritage and historical initiatives.
These grants strengthen the capacity of local organizations and allow volunteers to deliver services and projects that might otherwise require additional Council resources.
Council’s broader service impact includes management of roads, bridges, libraries, sporting facilities, parks, swimming pools, holiday parks, an airport, a saleyard and waste facilities serving more than 30,000 residents.
Conclusion
Kempsey Shire Council is the principal local government organization serving the Kempsey Shire and Macleay Valley in New South Wales.
Through elected leadership, strategic planning, infrastructure investment and community partnerships, the Council delivers essential services and supports the region’s social, environmental and economic development.
Its Community Grants Programme provides valuable funding to nonprofit organizations, sporting clubs, cultural groups, environmental volunteers and other community-led initiatives.
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