The Deepwater community is set to see one of its most recognisable local landmarks brought back into active use, with Glen Innes Severn Council approving a three-year Licence to Occupy for the Deepwater Progress Association at the Deepwater Railway Station.
The decision was made at Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 28 May 2026, following an Expression of Interest process for community use of the site.
The opportunity offered by Council covered the Deepwater Railway Station buildings and adjacent parklands at Gough Street, Deepwater, with the licence structured as a minimum three-year term and an option to extend for up to a further two years.
Expressions of interest closed on 28 April 2026.
Mayor Margot Davis said the outcome was a strong example of how community groups can help breathe new life into important local assets while preserving their connection to local history.
“The Deepwater Railway Station is one of the village’s most recognisable landmarks and holds a special place in the story of Deepwater and the wider region,” Cr Davis said.
“We know that community assets are at their best when they are actively used, valued and connected to the people they serve. The Deepwater Progress Association has demonstrated a genuine commitment to reactivating this important site and creating opportunities for the community to engage with and celebrate its rich history.”
“Council would like to sincerely thank the Deepwater Progress Association and the volunteers involved for stepping forward to take on this opportunity. Their vision will help ensure the station remains an important part of community life while also preserving its heritage significance for future generations.”
Deepwater Progress Association Secretary Tricia Stack said, “We are very excited about the future of this building. This is a really positive step for Deepwater, and we look forward to seeing the space revitalised and used in a way that supports our community well into the future.”
Cr Davis said the licence aligns with Council’s broader focus on supporting community-led activation projects that strengthen local identity, encourage visitation and make better use of existing infrastructure.
“The Deepwater Railway Station demonstrates the opportunity that exists across our region to transform underutilised assets into vibrant community spaces. By partnering with local organisations, we can preserve our heritage, strengthen community connections and maximise the value of infrastructure that already exists.”
“This is exactly the type of initiative we want to encourage across our region, local people taking ownership of important community assets and finding new ways to activate them for the benefit of residents and visitors alike,” Cr Davis said.
The Deepwater Railway Station is a significant local building with a long history in the village.
The station building dates from 1888 and, while it has been used by community groups in the past, it has sat largely vacant in recent years.
Previous uses have included local arts activity and community broadcasting, demonstrating the site’s longstanding connection to community life.
In 2024, local momentum began building around the future of the station when the Deepwater Progress Association established the Deepwater Railway Historical Society as a subcommittee focused on bringing the site back into use. Community ideas put forward for the station have included historical displays, markets, events and other activities designed to make the building a vibrant local asset once again.
“The station has a long and proud history of connecting people and communities, and we look forward to seeing that legacy continue through new activities, events, displays and community uses that celebrate Deepwater’s unique heritage,” Cr Davis said.
Cr Davis said Council looked forward to working alongside the committee as the project develops.
“We are committed to supporting the Deepwater Progress Association as they bring their plans to life and explore opportunities to further enhance the site,” she said.
“We will also continue to advocate for and leverage any future funding opportunities, including potential Transport for NSW programs, that may assist with structural improvements and help secure the long-term future of this important community asset.”
“This isn’t just about one building. It’s about recognising the value that exists within our community assets and finding sustainable ways to reactivate underutilised facilities, so they continue contributing to the social, cultural and economic life of our towns and villages,” she said.
The new licence arrangement is expected to help protect and reactivate the station while creating new opportunities for community connection, activity and local pride.
It also reflects Council’s broader commitment to working with community groups to support practical, locally led outcomes that make good use of important public assets.
As one of Deepwater’s best-known historic sites, the railway station holds an important place in the village’s story.
With a committed local group now set to occupy the site, the agreement marks a positive step toward giving the building a new purpose and ensuring it remains part of Deepwater’s future.
“This is a great example of what can be achieved when Council and community work together to preserve our history, strengthen community connections and create a vibrant future for our towns and villages,” Cr Davis said.
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
