Media Releases

Council Announces Strategic Shift for 50m Pool

Moree Plains Shire Council has undertaken a strategic review of the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) redevelopment, ultimately identifying that it is time for a new home for Moree’s 50m pool.

“We are deeply sorry for the length of time it is taking to deliver the 50m pool at the MAAC,” said Mayor, Cr Susannah Pearse.

“We know the community is beyond frustrated.

“Council has taken its obligations to the community seriously, to not only deliver necessary community infrastructure, but also set the region up for long term growth and liveability.

“We have considered the challenges faced at the current site over many years, weighed up the options, and in turn, agreed that it is time to let common sense prevail and look at a new site - one which has also been talked about in the community for some time.”

As such, Council resolved at the Ordinary Council Meeting 20 February 2025 to halt works on the current 50m MAAC site and proceed with a feasibility study for Taylor Oval.

“This decision reflects the Council’s consideration of key factors such as providing high quality and value for ratepayer money infrastructure, driving CBD activation, fostering tourism and economic development, supporting future population growth, and addressing the current needs of our residents.

“While changing course may be challenging, it is a necessary step to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of this vital community asset,” said Cr Pearse.

In its deliberations, Council also considered the future of the MAAC, noting its historic significance and value to the tourism industry. Cr Pearse reassured the community that “Council is committed to planned improvement works to the hot artesian pools at the MAAC”.

“As part of our review, Council will be exploring the best options to keep the important tourist attraction and significant community asset open.”

Cr Pearse applauded the recently appointed Council in strategically tackling the big issues early on, remarking that “this was not an easy call for the council to make. But it is the right call.”

Image - Mayor Susannah Pearse and Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe on site at the MAAC where the 50m pool once resided.

Commemorating The Freedom Rides 60th Anniversary Celebrations

Moree Plains Shire Council is pleased to partner with Moree Local Aboriginal Lands Council and community representatives to commemorate the 60^th Anniversary of the 1965 Freedom Rides.

Gathering from 9:30am on Wednesday 19 February at Moree Memorial Hall, the entire community is invited to march through Moree CBD to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC). Once there, Elders who were present at the baths with Charles Perkins in 1965 will speak about their experiences and reflect on the changes brought about by the Freedom Rides. The event will then move to Jellicoe Park for an afternoon of entertainment with local performers and a free lunch.

“The 1965 Freedom Ride had a profound impact on the lives of Aboriginal people in our Shire and I invite the whole community to attend this day of commemoration, as we recognise the errors of the past and walk together for a brighter future,” said Mayor Susannah Pearse.

Led by Charles Perkins, the Freedom Riders’ actions in Moree led the then Moree Municipal Council to repeal the by-laws that prohibited Aboriginal people from entering the Moree Bore Baths and Moree War Memorial Hall.

In July 2024, Moree Plains Shire Council resolved that Council “acknowledges the creation, enforcement and impact of the 1955 by-laws in reinforcing racial segregation” and committed to commemorating the Freedom Rides annually.

“In speaking to members of our community who were involved in the 1965 Freedom Rides, it is clear that our council by-laws had a huge impact on the community. As Elders have said, the Council by-laws set the local standard, enabling other restrictions and broader racism.   

“In 1965, the 15-day bus ride of students from the University of Sydney drew national and international attention to the challenges and segregation experienced by our local Aboriginal people, ultimately resulting in the by-laws being rescinded.

Beyond the local impact of the Freedom Ride, the media coverage around the famous bus journey is credited as contributing to the success of Australia’s 1967 Referendum.

“Today I am proud that for one, our Council looks incredibly different to the Council that put those by-laws in place. We now have our first Aboriginal Deputy Mayor in Councillor Wayne Tighe, and it’s the first time we have had two Aboriginal Councillors, with Cr Fred McGrady also joining the council table in 2024.

“Representation matters, and with diversity in the highest decision-making level of our organisation, we can aim for strategies and policies that better serve our whole community.”

Mayor Pearse encourages as many community members are possible to attend the events on the 19 February saying, “This is an opportunity to heal past wounds, celebrate our achievements and look forward to improving our future.”

As part of the commemoration, Council is offering free entry and water slide at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) on Thursday, 20 February.

Schedule of commemorative events

Wednesday 19 February 2025

9:30am                             Assemble at the Moree Memorial Hall
10am - 10:30am              March to Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC)
10:45am                           Commemoration at MAAC
12 - 3pm                           Lunch and entertainment at Jellicoe Park
3pm - 6pm                        Free entry to the MAAC and waterslide

Thursday 20 February 2025

All Day                               Free entry to MAAC
3 – 6pm                             Free waterslide at MAAC

Please note that patron capacity limits at the MAAC may lead to time limits and variable waiting periods. The MAAC adheres to the Royal Lifesaving Keep Watch Policy. Children will not be admitted without adequate supervision by a responsible adult.

For more information, please contact the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (02) 6752 2272.

Image – 'Student Action for Aborigines' Protests - The Freedom Ride – Image credit National Film and Sound Archive of Australia

Max Centre

For the safety of community members, we wish to advise that there will be no face-to-face service at the Max Centre today due to a failure in our fire detection system overnight.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Council on (02) 6757 3222 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Addressing QantasLink Flight Reductions: Maintaining Connectivity for Moree Plains

I understand that many in the community will be disappointed in the news that QantasLink has reduced its weekly flight schedule on the Moree to Sydney route from 10 flights per week to 7. 

Council staff and I met with QantasLink representatives yesterday who advised that the change is in line with the minimum requirements of the new license agreement as set by the State Government/Transport for NSW and which commences in April 2025. They explained that the reason for the reduction is not so much about demand (our passenger numbers have been steadily increasing) but the availability of planes as they retire the Q200 (36 seats) and Q300 (50 seats) fleet in favour of the larger Q400 planes (74 seats). Whilst more Q400 planes are on order, it will take time for them to arrive in Australia and then also train more pilots to fly them, hence the need for reduced services until they have the full fleet.  

We highlighted that these flights however are more than just a numerical digit. Each flight that's been removed from the schedule represents a vital connection to the big smoke, enabling health by bringing specialists and GPs to town, getting our people to medical appointments and education, and keeping our economy going. 

The Moree Plains and QantasLink have enjoyed a longstanding commitment to one another and the community has worked hard to keep them as our carrier for this vital route. At a time where neighbouring shires are losing their Sydney air services, we are fortunate to have one of only two regulated routes in NSW, with our national carrier as our partner. 

In recognition of the value that we place on this relationship, in 2024, Council worked closely with QantasLink to undertake fast-tracked works to support their transition to the larger Q400 aircraft, upgrading Moree Regional Airport's apron to allow for additional parking needs at a cost of approximately $1.2m. In addition, we are excited to have received $1m from the Australian Government to match a further $1m from Council to enable better aeromedical access. Our airport and our air service remains a big strategic asset for our whole shire and region, and we have made it a priority.  

We have asked that QantasLink consults more broadly with Council and the community on the schedule changes. We know that the change in flight departure and arrival times has also provided some challenges - if we are to have fewer flights, they need to be on the right days and times. We have asked to look at continuing to use the smaller planes to fill the schedule. We are not precious, any plane will do! 

We will continue discussions with QantasLink representatives and the Hon. Jenny Aitchison MP Minister for Regional Transport to explore ways to ensure that our flight service provides the best utility for our community. 

Time to Shine!
Time to Nominate for the 2025 Moree Plains Senior Citizen

Moree Plains Shire Council, in collaboration with the Moree Seniors Week Committee is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the prestigious Moree Plains Senior Citizen of the Year 2025 Award. The award celebrates the outstanding contributions of senior residents (aged 60 and over) who make a difference in the Moree Plains community.

This year’s NSW Seniors Festival theme, ‘Time to Shine!’, highlights seniors who inspire and shine through their commitment to the community, leadership, or service.

Mayor Susannah Pearse shared her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Our senior residents continue to enrich the Moree Plains Shire in so many ways, and this is our opportunity to recognise those who truly make a difference. We are excited to see how the 2025 Seniors Week events unfold and to honour our local senior citizens."

Seniors Week 2025 will run from Monday 10 March to Saturday 15 March, with a variety of fun, inclusive activities for seniors of all abilities. Events include:

• Monday 10 March – Morning Tea and Bingo at Pius X
• Tuesday 11 March – Movie Screening: 80 For Brady at Moree Community Library
• Wednesday 12 March – Lunch, Entertainment, and the Presentation of the Moree Plains Shire Senior Citizen of the Year Award
• Thursday 13 March – Social Bowls at Moree and District Services Club
• Friday 14 March – Lunch and Bingo at Moree Care
• Saturday 15 March – Lunch and Entertainment by Moree Ukulele Band at 363 Gwydir Field Road, provided by Moree Lions Club.

Bookings for all events are essential and can be made by contacting Lorraine Bartel on 0477 020 895.

Nominations for Senior Citizen of the Year 2025 are open until 5pm on Wednesday, 26 February 2025. Community members are encouraged to nominate seniors who have made a significant contribution to the Moree Plains Shire, whether through volunteering, community service, or other inspiring acts through the QR Code or via Senior Citizen Nomination Form 2025.

For nomination forms or more information, please contact Council (02) 6757 3222.