Balranald Shire

Balranald Shire is a local government area in the Riverina area of western New South Wales, Australia on the Sturt Highway. It is the location of World Heritage listed Mungo National Park. It includes the towns of Balranald and Euston. Other localities in the Shire include Kyalite, Hatfield, Penarie, Clare and Oxley.

Balranald Shire
New South Wales
location in New South Wales
Coordinates34°37′S 143°34′E
Population2,208 (2021 census)[1]
 • Density0.101784/km2 (0.26362/sq mi)
Area21,693 km2 (8,375.7 sq mi)
Mayornone
Council seatBalranald
RegionRiverina
State electorate(s)Murray
Federal division(s)Farrer
WebsiteBalranald Shire
LGAs around Balranald Shire:
Wentworth Central Darling Carrathool
Wentworth Balranald Shire Hay
Mildura (Vic) Swan Hill (Vic) Murray River

As of 29 January 2020, the Balranald Shire Council Mayor and elected members were dismissed by NSW local government minister Shelley Hancock, after the recommendations of the report of commissioner Roslyn McCulloch. Mike Colreavy has been appointed the administrator until local council elections in 2024.[2]

Demographics

Selected historical census data for Balranald Shire local government area
Census year2011[3]2016[4]
PopulationEstimated residents on census night2,283Increase 2,287
LGA rank in terms of size within New South Wales127thIncrease 126th
% of New South Wales population0.03%Steady 0.03%
% of Australian population0.01%Steady 0.01%
Cultural and language diversity
Ancestry,
top responses
Australian32.3%Decrease 31.6%
English24.9%Increase 25.1%
Irish8.9%Increase 10.1%
Italian10.3%Decrease 9.0%
Scottish5.7%Increase 5.9%
Language,
top responses
(other than English)
Italian4.4%Decrease 3.0%
Fijiann/cIncrease 0.6%
Mandarin0.3%Increase 0.5%
Tongan0.6%Decrease 0.4%
Arabic0.4%Steady 0.4%
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation,
top responses
Catholic39.3%Decrease 35.7%
No religion13.6%Increase 20.8%
Anglican16.5%Decrease 15.0%
Not statedn/cIncrease 12.7%
Presbyterian and Reformed8.6%Increase 6.9%
Median weekly incomes
Personal incomeMedian weekly personal incomeA$470A$624
% of Australian median income81.5%Increase 94.3%
Family incomeMedian weekly family incomeA$1126A$1438
% of Australian median income76.0%Increase 82.9%
Household incomeMedian weekly household incomeA$894A$1174
% of Australian median income72.4%Increase 81.6%

Council

Current composition and election method

The Balranald Shire Council is currently under administration, as of 29 January 2020. NSW local government minister Shelley Hancock accepted the recommendations of the report created by commissioner Roslyn McCulloch.

Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock accepted the recommendation from the independent commissioner of the public inquiry to dismiss the council's mayor and councillors and appoint an administrator to address financial and structural issues.

The report, which has been tabled in Parliament, found: • The council has failed to command the confidence of its community • Councillors have failed to appreciate the need for sound and consistent financial principles, with division among councillors affecting decision making; • An absence of understanding by councillors of the importance of transparency in decision making, including inappropriate closure of council meetings; • The council has failed to act as a responsible employer, particularly regarding the interaction between councillors and council staff, resulting in the loss of valuable personnel; and • The council has failed to comply with its obligations as Reserve Trust Manager under the Crown Lands Act in relation to Balranald Caravan Park.

"I have not taken the decision to dismiss the council lightly", Mrs Hancock said.

"The ratepayers of Balranald Shire deserve a strong council that is representing the best interests of the community.

"I have accepted the recommendation by Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch to dismiss the elected representatives and appoint an administrator to perform the role of the mayor and councillors until 2024.

"This course of action will provide the best possible way to strengthen the operation, performance and sustainability of the council and ensure it is serving the best interests of the local community".

Mike Colreavy has been appointed administrator of Balranald Shire Council. Mr Colreavy has 37 years' experience in the local government sector at metropolitan, regional and rural councils including holding various general manager positions.[2]

Localities

Town Population
Balranald1,343
Clare
Condoulpe
Euston839
Hatfield11
Kyalite82
Oxley33
Penarie

Condoulpe (34°46′S 143°32′E) is situated about 15 kilometres south of Balranald and 21 kilometres north of Kyalite.[5]

References

  1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Balranald (A)". 2021 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 10 November 2022.
  2. Administrator appointed to Balranald Shire Council New South Wales Office of LocalGovernment 29 January 2020
  3. Australian Bureau of Statistics (31 October 2012). "Balranald (A)". 2011 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  4. Australian Bureau of Statistics (27 June 2017). "Balranald (A)". 2016 Census QuickStats. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  5. Travelmate Archived 24 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine


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