Murrumbidgee Shire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Murrumbidgee ShireNew South Wales |
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Shire office and chambers, in Darlington Point.
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Location within New South Wales
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| Population | 2,415 (2012) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 0.68843/km2 (1.7830/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Abolished | 2016 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 3,508 km2 (1,354.4 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Council seat | Darlington Point | ||||||||||||||
| Region | Riverina | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Murray | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Riverina | ||||||||||||||
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The Murrumbidgee Shire was a special type of local government area in Australia. It was located in the Riverina region of south western New South Wales. This area was right next to the Murrumbidgee River and the Newell Highway.
The main towns that helped run the Murrumbidgee Shire were Coleambally and Darlington Point. There was also a smaller town called Waddi within its borders.
What Happened to Murrumbidgee Shire?
In 2015, the government of New South Wales looked at how local areas were managed. They had a group called the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. This group suggested that Murrumbidgee Shire should join with parts of the Jerilderie Shire. The idea was to create a new, larger council. This new council would cover about 4,924 square kilometres and serve around 3,000 people.
However, the Jerilderie Shire Council had a different idea. They suggested that their entire area should join with the Murrumbidgee Shire.
The New Murrumbidgee Council
On May 12, 2016, the Murrumbidgee Shire officially closed down. Its area, along with the entire Jerilderie Shire, became part of a brand new council. This new council is now known as the Murrumbidgee Council. This change was made to help local governments work more efficiently.
How the Council Used to Work
Before it closed, the Murrumbidgee Shire Council had six councillors. These councillors were chosen by people voting in two different areas, called wards. Each ward elected three councillors.
All councillors served for a set period of four years. The mayor of the Shire was not directly voted for by the public. Instead, the councillors themselves chose the mayor at their first meeting. The last time elections were held for the Murrumbidgee Shire Council was on September 8, 2012.
