Mayor of Glen Innes Severn Council, Councillor Margot Davis, has welcomed Council’s decision last week to endorse the draft Glen Innes Highlands Precincts and Activation Framework for public exhibition, describing it as a critical step in shaping the future of the region.
“This framework is about how our community functions and is connected through the defined precincts structure,” Cr Davis said.
“It’s about how our towns, villages and public places work for people – how they support community life, attract visitors, strengthen local business and create pride in place.”
At its Ordinary Meeting on 23 April 2026, Council resolved to place the draft Framework on public exhibition by the end of May, following amendments resolved at the meeting.
Community input will be invited before a final version is brought back to Council in July.
Cr Davis said the Framework provides the first coordinated, evidence-based approach to precinct planning and activation across the entire Local Government Area.
“For the first time, we have a clear structure that recognises the unique role and character of each precinct – from our town centres and civic spaces to our villages, landscapes and key destinations,” she said.
“It gives Council and the community a shared language and a shared direction for how places grow, evolve and are activated over time.”
The Framework sets out a long-term approach that will guide future precinct masterplans, facilitate investment decisions and enable grant readiness, ensuring projects are staged, coordinated and aligned with Council’s broader strategic plans.
“This work invites our community to co-design the future of the LGA. It sets Council up for intentional master planning and builds a clear, prioritised project pipeline that positions us strongly for the next 10 to 20 years. This is about being deliberate and strategic,” Cr Davis said.
“When funding opportunities arise, when partnerships are proposed, or when Council is making decisions about infrastructure and public spaces, this Framework ensures we are all working from the same playbook. It’s helpful to think about this as a global town plan for our entire LGA.”
Cr Davis stressed the importance of community involvement as the next step in the process.
“Public exhibition is not a rubber stamp – it’s an invitation.
This Framework has been designed to be tested, refined and strengthened by community input.
Local knowledge will help ensure each precinct reflects its history, its role and its future potential. Community consultation will commence in Deepwater in June and then make its way across the LGA,” she said.
Council will consider community feedback before adopting the final Precincts and Activation Framework in July 2026.
“This work is foundational. It positions Glen Innes Severn to grow in a way that is thoughtful, place-based and true to who we are. It’s an investment in the liveability, growth, resilience and long-term prosperity of our region,” Cr Davis said.
