2026
Consultation on Proposed Stage 2 Expansion of Kerbside Waste, Recycling Collection Services
The Mid Murray community is being asked to have its say on options of a proposal to further expand kerbside waste and recycling collection services across the district.
The Mid Murray Council has recently reviewed its residential roadside waste and recycling services with the aim of ensuring they are practical, affordable, environmentally responsible and continue to meet the community’s needs into the future.
Mid Murray on the Move! – Economic, Tourism and Development News
An initiative of the Mid Murray Council this newsletter is about promoting and sharing economic, tourism and development news that is occurring throughout our region.
Newsletter 33 - September 2026
Community Invited to Help Shape the Future of Library Services Across Mid Murray
Mid Murray Council (Council) is inviting community members to participate in a Library Services Review Survey to help inform the future delivery of library services across the region.
The review aims to better understand how residents use library services, which services are most valued, and what the community would like to see prioritised for future service delivery. Feedback received will assist Council in understanding community needs and expectations and will help inform future planning and decision-making.
The review includes library services currently provided through the Mannum School Community Library, Swan Reach School Community Library, Cambrai School Community Library, Morgan Public Library and Blanchetown Community Hub Library.
Expressions of Interest Open for Mid Murray Council’s Disability Advisory Group
Mid Murray Council (Council) is seeking Expressions of Interest from community members to join its
newly established Disability Advisory Group, helping to shape a more accessible, inclusive and
welcoming future for the Mid Murray region.
Mid Murray Council Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
Mid Murray Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Andrew Johnson as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Dr Johnson brings extensive executive leadership experience in local government, having served as Chief Executive Officer of the Town of Walkerville, LGA Mutual and the Port Pirie Regional Council, along with senior leadership roles across local government in both South Australia and New South Wales.
Mayor Simone Bailey said Council was delighted to appoint a CEO with such a strong background in financial management, governance and advocacy.
Media Release – 15 July 2026 - Mid Murray Council Appoints New Chief Executive Officer
Mid Murray Council Reduces Rate Increase, Strengthens Future
Mid Murray Council has adopted its 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget together with a new 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, reinforcing Council's commitment to long-term financial sustainability while limiting the average general rate increase for existing properties to 2.9 per cent.
The adopted Annual Business Plan and Budget delivers a balanced approach that continues Council's focus on financial sustainability while recognising the cost-of-living pressures facing the community.
Media Release – 14 July 2026 - Mid Murray Council Reduces Rate Increase, Strengthens Future
Mid Murray Council Adopts Disability Access and Inclusion
Plan 2026 - 2030
Mid Murray Council has formally adopted its Disability Access and Inclusion Plan (DAIP) 2026-2030, reaffirming its commitment to building a more inclusive, accessible and connected community for all.
The Plan outlines Council’s strategic approach to improving access and inclusion across its services, facilities and operations, ensuring that people with disability can fully participate in community life.
Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey said the adoption of the DAIP reflects Council’s strong commitment to listening to the community and embedding inclusion into everything it does.
Mid Murray Council Budget Balances Today’s Needs With Future Sustainability
Mid Murray Council will strike a balance between meeting its community’s needs today and continuing to build a sustainable, positive future for the district in its annual budget.
The Council’s Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget includes a 3.64% average general rate increase – reduced by 1% from the initial proposed 4.64% increase for existing property owners – in response to current cost of living pressures affecting the Mid Murray community.
The draft plan sets out Council’s priority projects, services, programs and other initiatives for the year ahead and has been released for community consultation.
Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey said the Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget prioritises continuing Council’s work to enhance financial sustainability, while also delivering essential services, programs and infrastructure for the district.
Community Invited to Help Shape Mid Murray’s Tourism Future
Mid Murray residents are being invited to play a key role in shaping the future of tourism across the region, as part of the Mid Murray Tourism Precinct Planning Project.
Following the 2022–23 Murray River flood event, much of Council’s river infrastructure and tourism assets were significantly impacted. Through this project, Council aims to rebuild and strengthen the local economy by enhancing tourism opportunities and supporting long-term sustainability.
Council has received funding towards this project through the Australian Government’s $400 million Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, which supports transformative regional investment by facilitating partnerships between all levels of government and local communities, and by investing in infrastructure and other measures that stimulate economic growth.
Media Release – 18 May 2026 – Community Invited to Help Shape Mid Murray’s Tourism Future
Mid Murray Council Launches Search for Next CEO
The search is on for a new CEO to lead Mid Murray Council, after its current Chief Executive announced he is stepping down to pursue a new opportunity.
The Council’s current CEO, Ben Scales, is leaving to take up a senior role in the not-for-profit sector, following seven years with Mid Murray.
Media Release – 11 May 2026 - Mid Murray Council Launches Search for Next CEO
Historic ‘Greyhound of the Murray’ Paddle Steamer Returns to the River After Restoration
An historic paddle steamer known as the ‘Greyhound of the Murray’ is set to return to cruising the river at Morgan following the completion of a 16-year restoration project.
The PS Canally has been carefully restored, thanks to many thousands of hours of volunteer efforts and funding support from the Mid Murray Council and the Federal Government. The 119-year-old vessel’s official recommissioning and return to the Murray River as a tourist attraction and passenger vessel will be officially launched by Her Excellency Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia at the Morgan Living River Festival on May 30-31.
Mid Murray Community Grant Opportunities Applications
Now Open
Grants are available for Mid Murray community groups and organisations to support the delivery of local recreational, cultural, community, and environmental initiatives.
Mid Murray Council’s Community Grants Program opens for applications on 27 April 2026. This annual program features three primary grant categories designed to help fund community events and projects. Additionally, a separate grant category is available throughout the year to assist locals with expenses related to participating in sport, music, art, or other cultural activities.
Media Release - 23 April 2026 - Mid Murray Community Grant Opportunities Applications Now Open
Proposed New Methodology for Calculating CWMS Charges for 2026/27
Last year, as part of the consultation on its Annual Business Plan & Budget and Long Term Financial Plan, Council proposed changes to the financing of Council’s Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS) schemes and the associated Annual Service Fee and capital contributions required for future works based on recommendations by the Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA).
Following feedback received through the consultation process, the proposed changes were not introduced in 2025/26, with Council resolving to review the CWMS Annual Service Fee for 2026/27 and an annual capital charge based on an annuity cost for each scheme as a large number of schemes are entering mid-life and require material amounts of capital expenditure to be undertaken across the next 10 years.
Modelling has now been undertaken to incorporate a capital renewal annuity cost into the 2026/27 CWMS Annual Service Fee to fund the future capital renewal requirements of each individual scheme.
Media Release – 23 April 2026 – Proposed New Methodology for Calculating CWMS Charges for 2026/27
Mid Murray Council Launches Innovative Community-Led Future Planning Project
Mid Murray Council is embarking on a transformative new approach to local planning, launching a region-wide project to develop nine distinct Community Action Plans.
Moving away from traditional models of engagement, an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) framework is being adopted, as outlined in Council’s Community Development Strategy. This method focuses on the existing strengths, skills, and resources within a community, empowering residents to lead the charge in shaping their own future.
Council Seeking Community Feedback on Draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan for the Mid Murray
Mid Murray Council invites community members to share their feedback on Council’s draft plan to enhance access and inclusion across the region, aiming to better support people with disability, as well as their carers and families.
The Draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan outlines Council’s commitment to provide equity of access to the services, facilities, infrastructure, events and information it provides.
Community Leaders, Creative Spirit and Youth Volunteer Honoured in Australia Day Awards
A Christmas event that spreads festive cheer, a youth leader helping save lives, a tireless Keyneton volunteer and a creative community artist have all been recognised ahead of Australia Day.
Mid Murray Council has announced its 2026 Australia Day Award winners at an afternoon tea celebration, held to recognise the efforts of locals who have given generously in service to their community.