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Cooee Park Revitalisation

 You told us what you want!

Timeline   February 2022 - Revitalisation of Cooee - Initial Community Engagement - View the engagement report   March/September 2022 - Playground Design and staged delivery options produced    November 2022 -   View Feedback and report   Final design completed - View Design   October 2023 - Funding, Co-Creation and Activation Plans Underway   October 2023 - Activation of Cooee Park  December 2023 - Christmas in Cooee Park  February 2024 - Council endorsed the Cooee Park Masterplan - We are shovel ready and looking for funding to get the project underway for the kids and community.    July 2024 - PROPOSED Start date - pending funding  November 2024 -  PROPOSED completion date - Pending funding

The Masterplan 

Thanks to everyone who got behind the engagement and consultation earlier this year and placed valuable input into how we create Cooee Park.

We heard your visions for this space, and Council and the Touched By Olivia Foundation are committed to delivering a safe, beautiful and thriving community hub for the families in East Moree and we know that the best way to deliver it is in co-creation with those who will use the space.

We want to make Cooee Park a place that is owned, loved and looked after by all, a place to play, gather and celebrate. A fun space where children and youth will feel safe and valued and where families and extended families can enjoy community life together. 
To ensure the success of this space we want to work hand in hand with the kids, teens and community members and with local service providers over the next few months to get it right allowing us to deliver the project in its entirety, not in stages.

The input was so great and the vision by all involved to make this park a really safe and beautiful space, as well as the input of what was required to ensure it is successful meant we needed more time and budget to deliver it properly.

Delivering the park to the community remains a priority and Council continues to invest in the masterplan.

So, what next?
After the finalisation of the masterplan, designed by you, we need to secure funding to create this wonderful space, a space where locals can gather and take pride and ownership of.

Cooee Park Masterplan

Our Moree Plains, Our Vision to 2032

Moree Plains Shire Council is reviewing our Community Strategic Plan (CSP). The CSP is the highest-level plan that we prepare. The purpose of the CSP is to identify community priorities and goals for the future as well as plans to achieve those goals.
When we prepare the CSP, we need your help to answer four key questions:

1. Where are we now?
2. Where do we want to be in 10 years’ time?
3. How will we get there?
4. How will we know we have arrived?

To do this, we’re inviting you to share your thoughts, aspirations and priorities for the Moree Plains Shire for the next 10 years. We need you to help us draft a community vision and the strategies to get us there.

We also want to know who will help us achieve the community vision. While Council is the custodian of the CSP, it is first and foremost a community document and requires input and leadership from our community and business partners, as well as state and federal government agencies.

Why now?

The CSP is an aspirational document that is always looking 10 years ahead. After each Local Government Election, we review the plan with the community to reset our community priorities, our goals and our strategies for achieving them. This work guides all of Council’s remaining strategic and operational plans and strategies and our activities for the Council term.

What can I have a say on?

Creating a community vision for the CSP is one of the most important outcomes of the community engagement process. It sets the tone for the CSP and supports a sense of shared ownership and purpose.
While the elected Council is responsible for endorsing the CSP at a Council meeting, the community can influence:
• The community’s 10-year vision for Moree Plains
• The objectives and strategies of the CSP
• The role of Council, community, partners and agencies in meeting the community’s vision.

How can I have my say?

Community survey

The survey is open to everyone and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Everyone who completes the survey can choose to go in the draw to win one of five $50 Love Local gift cards.
Click here to complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3FG8Y7R

Alternatively, pick up a hard copy at Moree, Mungindi or the Mobile Library, Council Moree Office or the Dhiiyaan Centre. Return via Reply Paid, drop off at a Council building, or scan and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The survey closes on 7 March 2022.

Flyer in the mail

All residents and ratepayers will receive a flyer in the mail detailing how they can have their say on the CSP. We’ve included a Reply Paid option so all you have to do is complete the CSP Have your say form, pop it in the mail and we’ll pay the postage.

Moree Markets

Come and talk to us at our pop-up stall at the Moree Markets on Sunday 6 February at Jellicoe Park. We’ll have copies of our survey, kitchen table kits and information on our drawing competition for you to take home or you can complete the survey on iPads. We’ll also have some interactive elements for you to have your say. Come and say hi, and meet your new Councillors!

Pop-up stalls

Once a week, we will have a pop-up stall in Moree main street. We’ll post on the website and our Facebook page when we are there. Come and pop down to talk to us and your Councillors!
NOTE I WILL LIKELY PUT THE TIMES ON WEBSITE. JUST WAITING FOR PLANNING TO ADVISE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS.

Kitchen table kits

We understand that some people might not feel comfortable talking in front of strangers in a public workshop. That’s why we’ve developed our kitchen table kits. These kits are designed to let you discuss and answer questions about the CSP from the comfort of your own home or workplace with friends, family, workmates or community group. To host a kitchen table discussion, download our kit or pick one up from Moree, Mungindi or the Mobile Library, Council Moree Office or the Dhiiyaan Centre. Return via Reply Paid, drop off at a Council building, or scan and send to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Community Online Workshops

Are you a community leader or are passionate about your local area or a local issue? Want to get more involved in guiding our Shire’s future? Then the Workshops are for you.
We’ll be running a series of online workshops for you to discuss with Councillors challenges facing our community, and identify priorities, goals and strategies to achieve these goals. The workshops will be held 14-17th February 2022 at various times.
Register for a workshop now:

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Level Two Water Restrictions now apply in Mungindi

Water levels in Mungindi are particularly concerning generally, with low rainfall over recent months and no river flow.

Last summer, residents will recall that a number of infrastructure upgrades were undertaken to supplement and ultimately replace the Mungindi town water supply with 100% artesian water. At the present time, Mungindi’s town water is supplied largely by river water although increasing amounts of artesian water are being preemptively utilised to better preserve the town water supply. Residents may notice that the town water supply is slightly warmer than usual as a result.

Last year, a leased cooling tower was installed to cool the artesian water prior to treatment. Council is currently awaiting delivery of its own cooling tower, which is coming from overseas.

Because there is some lead time prior to delivery and commissioning Council’s cooling tower at Mungindi, Council will be instigating more proactive measures to control water consumption in Mungindi for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year.

As of midnight Wednesday 2 December 2020, Level Two Water Restrictions will apply in Mungindi until 31 December 2020.

Council has in place a Water Supply Schemes Drought Management Plan which prescribes the approach to adopting water restrictions and residents in Mungindi should adhere to the following restrictions:

• Sprinkler Systems to be used between 6:00am-9:00am and 7:00pm-10:00pm during Summer in accordance with the Odds and Evens Scheme. This means:
  • Households with odd street numbers are permitted to use their sprinklers on odd dates during the times prescribed;
  • Households with even street numbers are permitted to use their sprinklers on even dates during the times prescribed.
• Handheld hoses and buckets can be used at any time.
• Paved and concrete surfaces are not to be washed down.
• Pools may be topped up with a hand held hose and swimming pool covers are required when not in use.
• Car washing can only take place using a trigger hose and bucket.
• Water can only be carted from a secure water source.
• Residents are encouraged to only clothes wash when they have a full load.
• Fountains are to be turned off but ponds may be topped up.

For Commercial and Industrial water users in Mungindi, the following will apply:

• Irrigation (Efficient User) consumption should be reduced by 15%.
• Irrigation (Non Efficient User) consumption should be reduced by 25%.
• Washing of commercial buildings and windows is discouraged.

Further details of these water restrictions can be found on Council’s website www.mpsc.nsw.gov.au within its Water Supply Schemes Drought Management Plan. If residents of Mungindi have any questions about these restrictions, they are encouraged to contact Council directly.

Easing Water Restrictions in Mungindi - Returning to Level 4 Water Restrictions - From Wednesday 19 February 2020

Since 8 January 2020, Level Five water restrictions have been in place for Mungindi.

Such restrictions were imposed under Council’s Water Supply Schemes Drought Management Plan based on the water consumption in Mungindi during the hotter months of the year, rainfall and having regard to formal advice received from WaterNSW that there will be no further planned water releases to supply water to Mungindi. Further water releases were not envisaged until sufficient rainfall allowed the usual catchments to replenish their water supplies to allow for future water releases.

With recent heavy rainfall across the Shire and the Border River systems, Council has been evaluating the water restrictions in place for Mungindi.

Council is pleased to confirm that Mungindi’s water restrictions will be returned to Level 4 Water Restrictions from tomorrow, Wednesday 19 February 2020. (Details of these restrictions are included at the end of this Media Release or alternatively, can be found on Council’s website.)

This reduction in water restrictions is based on:

• Mungindi’s potable town water supply has been sourced 100% from the artesian bore and has been treated at the Mungindi water treatment plant using recent infrastructure upgrades. The volumes of potable water being produced here have been sufficient to meet current water consumption demand at Mungindi on Level 5 water restrictions. With recent rainfall and less oppressive temperatures as we approach autumn, it is anticipated that the demand on water in Mungindi is stabilising.

• The Mungindi weir pool is now at capacity. Prior to recent rainfalls, there was no alternative water source for Mungindi other than the artesian bore.

• Whilst water is now available through the weir, Council is undertaking sampling to better understand the water quality from this source and how effectively it may be treated.

• Council is awaiting advice from WaterNSW as to the likely flows from the Border Rivers system. Once an initial flush occurs from this source, it is anticipated that this will provide better quality water for Mungindi’s potable town water supply than that currently available at the weir. It is Council’s current intent to use these flows to supplement Mungindi’s potable town water supply through a combination of artesian water and river water to shore up capacity to supply Mungindi’s town water.

Over coming weeks and provided the flow is forthcoming, Council’s water team will be working through the operational requirements of adding river water back into Mungindi’s potable water supply. At all times, the paramount concern will be ensuring the supply of quality potable water to Mungindi residents.

Mayor Katrina Humphries noted that the reduction to Level 4 water restrictions in Mungindi was a step in the right direction, stating “We are really pleased that recent rainfall and flows through the river system will allow us to reduce water restrictions in Mungindi.

“Of course, I would love to see Mungindi without water restrictions at all, but we need to ensure that operationally we can manage this and at all times, provide potable water to our Mungindi community.

“With water in the weir and more water likely on its way, Council now has options available to it to supplement the water supply in Mungindi. We just need to allow our water staff the time needed to ensure that water can be treated in the volumes needed.

“We will be continually updating the Mungindi community and hope to have a sliding scale of restriction removals,” said Mayor Humphries.

Further details of these water restrictions can be found within its Water Supply Schemes Drought Management Plan.

Level 4 Water Restrictions

The Water Supply Schemes Drought Management Plan adopted by Council outlines the process involved when advancing water restrictions and the applicable restrictions. For household water users in Mungindi:

• Hand held hoses only to be used when watering lawns and gardens. Watering may only take place between 6:00am - 8:00am and 6:00pm - 8:00pm during summer. Buckets and recycled water may be used at any time;
• Paved and concrete surfaces are not to be washed down;
• Covered pools may only be topped up using hand held hoses during the hours allowed for general watering noted above;
• Car washing can only occur at commercial car washes that recycle water;
• Only water from a bucket can be used while undertaking home extensions or landscaping;
• Water can only be carted for domestic purposes;
• Washing of clothes is only permitted with full loads, adhering to the odds and even system;
  • Households with odd street numbers are permitted to use their washing machine on odd dates;
  • Households with even street numbers are permitted to use their washing machine on even dates.
• Residents are encouraged to have short showers (between 3-5 minutes);
• Pets are only to be washed using water from a bucket;
• Residents are encouraged to reduce usage of evaporative air coolers;
• All fountains are to be turned off and not to be topped up except for safety reasons.

For Commercial and Industrial water users Mungindi, the following restrictions will apply:

• Irrigation (Efficient User) consumption should be reduced by 50%;
• Irrigation (Non Efficient User) consumption should be reduced by 50%;
• All fountains are to be turned off and not to be topped up except for safety reasons;
• Public swimming pools are to be operated with maximum efficiency;
• Water can only be carted for domestic purposes;
• Businesses must make greater endeavours to minimise water usage;
• Car washing can only occur at commercial car washes that recycle water;
• Only commercial car washes that recycle water will be allowed to operate;
• Washing of commercial buildings and windows is banned.

Residents and local businesses are required to follow all water restrictions. 

Heritage

Heritage consists of the places and objects that we have inherited from the past and that we want to pass on to future generations. Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Council has responsibility for identifying the area’s heritage assets and protecting them through environmental planning instruments.

Heritage Listings and Development
Development Control and Heritage Conservation Area
Heritage Items
Work that does not require development consent
Financial Assistance and Grants for Heritage Buildings
Heritage Advisory Service
Local Heritage Groups
Aboriginal Heritage Study

Heritage Conservation

Heritage Listings and Development

A Heritage Conservation Area is an area containing many different elements which collectively have heritage significance. It is an area in which its historical origins and contributory elements create a sense of place that the community values.
To check whether your property is located within a Heritage Conservation Area, search Schedule 5 of Moree Plains Local Environmental Plan 2011, apply for a Planning Certificate or contact Councils Planning Team for advice.

Development Control and Heritage Conservation Area

The Moree Plains Development Control Plan (DCP) 2013 chapter 7 – Heritage Conservation Area Shopfront and Façade Policy applies to development that is situated on land within a heritage conservation area. This chapter Supplements the provisions of the Moree Plains LEP 2011, Describes the heritage significance of the Conservation Area, i.e. why the area is culturally important, Identifies the contributory criteria which contribute to the area’s distinctive identity and sense of place and Provides conservation guidelines to ensure development is sympathetic to the cultural heritage significance of the conservation area and ensure the conservation of individual heritage items identified in the Moree Plains Local Environmental Plan 2011.

Heritage Items

A heritage item is defined as a building, work, archaeological site, tree or place that has heritage significance. Heritage items can be built or natural forms, archaeological or maritime heritage, movable heritage or items/sites that are significant to Aboriginal people.
There are 29 heritage items and 11 identified archaeological sites in the LEP 2011.
To check whether your property is a heritage item, search Schedule 5 of Moree Plains Local Environmental Plan 2011, apply for a Planning Certificate or contact Councils Planning Section for advice.
Please visit the NSW Office of Environment & Heritage to search for inventories for Moree Plain’s listed placed.

Development Consents and Heritage Items

A heritage listing does not mean that properties or buildings cannot be modernised, altered or developed. Changes may still be made, but must have regard to the site’s heritage significance.
Any new work should be undertaken in an appropriate or ‘sympathetic’ way. For example, where possible, a sympathetic addition to a heritage item should retain the original features. New work should not necessarily try to look ‘old’ or copy the architectural detail of the original building, but rather complement the overall building form, scale, materials and finishes.
Properties near heritage items often form a significant part of the setting of the heritage item. Development near heritage items may be required to minimise any impact on the heritage property in terms of architectural style, scale, setbacks, external materials, finishes and colours.

Work that does not require development consent

If Council determines the proposed development is of a minor nature or consists of maintenance of the heritage item and would not adversely affect its heritage significance or impact Heritage Conservation Area.
If this is the case, the proponent must notify the consent authority in writing of the proposed development. The consent authority must have then advised the applicant in writing that it is satisfied that the proposed development consent is not otherwise required, before any work can be carried out.

Examples of work that requires development consent:

• Demolition of a heritage item;
• Altering a heritage item by making structural changes to its interior;
• Altering a heritage item by making structural or non-structural changes to the detail, fabric, finish or appearance of its exterior. The exception being changes resulting from any maintenance necessary for its ongoing protective care which does not adversely affect its heritage significance, that have been authorised in writing by Council;
• Erecting a building within a heritage conservation area;
• Subdividing land on which a heritage item is located or that is within a heritage conservation area; and
• Moving the whole or part of a heritage item.

Financial Assistance and Grants for Heritage Buildings

Each year, Moree Plains Shire Council with assistance from the Heritage Branch of the Office of Environment and Heritage, offers small grants to property owners for maintenance works on older buildings in the local government area.
This grant funding is used as an incentive to assist property owners of heritage listed items that are identified in the Moree Plains Local Environmental Plan 2011 and encourage as much positive work on heritage items in the area as possible.

Projects funded through this program may include (and not be limited to): conservation works and maintenance works projects; adaptive reuse projects; urban design projects that support heritage; interpretation projects; and conservation management plans.

Projects that are normally funded include:
• Repairing walls, verandahs, windows or roof plumbing on older buildings,
• Repairing or reconstructing traditional front fences or other boundary work to protect older houses or sites, and
• Repairing and conserving older buildings, historic remnants or grave sites.

Heritage Advisory Service

Moree Plains Shire Council appointed a Heritage Advisory in 2004 to assist both Council and residents in the conservation and management of heritage listed items. The Heritage Advisory Service can provide preliminary advice to applicants and property owners in the LGA on heritage matters and assist with heritage related development applications. This service is generally free. Council’s Heritage Advisor visits once every second month.

Advice can include information on: renovation, redevelopment, colour schemes, extensions, verandahs, awnings and fences as well as more comprehensive advice on the integration of new development in older or conservation areas.
Council's Heritage Advisor also includes (but not limited to) the following services:
• Work with Council to develop and deliver a heritage strategy.
• Ensure effective statutory management of heritage and provide advice to Council on Development Applications, Part 5 Applications and Planning Proposals involving heritage items draft/potential heritage items and Heritage Conservation Areas;
• Provide professional advice to the community on heritage related issues and work with key stakeholder groups;
• Initiate research and studies for improved heritage management and produce heritage reports and other heritage documentation as required;
• Promote incentives, including grants and funding for heritage;
• Assist Council in managing its heritage assets; and
• Establish, in consultation with the local library and historical society, the collection of heritage resource material, including photographs, to assist heritage management and promotion in the area.

Local Heritage Groups

Local historical organisations can be contacted:
Gwydir Family History Society Inc
The Society (founded in May 1984) aims to foster and promote family history by providing resources to this end and to assist others in their search for their ancestry. The Society meets at the Northern Regional Library in Balo Street, Moree, and has use of the Genealogy/Local History Room there for their records and research.

Aboriginal Heritage Study

The redrafting of Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) was aimed to ensure compatibility and consistency with the standard Instrument (Local Environmental Plan) Order 2006. The rewriting of the LEP was aimed to give effect of the Aboriginal Heritage Study. The study area comprises the Moree Plains Local Government Area located in north west of NSW. Aboriginal cultural heritage in Australia is protected and managed under a variety of legislations. This policy:
• identifies the methodology employed to undertake this study and acknowledges the contribution of Aboriginal stakeholders and input of Moree Plains Shire Council planning officers,
• outlines the legislative framework for the conservation and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage,
• describes the Aboriginal stakeholder consultation process and identifies the stakeholders involved and/or consulted,
• describes the environmental setting of the Moree Plains LGA as a basis for understanding the context of recorded and potential archaeological sites and places that hold cultural values to the Aboriginal communities within the LGA.
• provides a summary of the archaeological record and provides a predictive model for the landscape types present in the LGA.
• provides a summary of the procedure for the assessment of cultural significance. Places and items nominated for listing have been assessed in this section according to assessment criteria.
• provides an outline of the conservation management approach it they relate to the Aboriginal cultural heritage of the Moree Plains LGA.
• provides an overview of the principles guiding the management of Aboriginal cultural heritage and provides the framework for the management and conservation of these values.