Berrigan Shire is a local government area (LGA) in the southern Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. The shire lies on the New South Wales state border with Victoria, formed by the Murray River. It is adjacent to the Newell and Riverina Highways.
Geography and Economy
The shire covers an area of approximately 2,066 km² (798 sq mi). The vast majority of the shire is irrigated, and the economy is predominantly agricultural, with dairying, cattle raising, woolgrowing, and cropping as the main activities. Tourism is another major sector, concentrated on the river towns of Tocumwal and Barooga.
Towns and Localities
The shire contains four main towns:
- Berrigan – the council seat, where the Berrigan Shire Council offices are located
- Finley
- Tocumwal
- Barooga
Demographics
At the 2021 census, Berrigan Shire had a population of 8,665. The 2018 estimated resident population was 8,707. The most commonly reported ancestries are English and Australian, with Italian, Chinese, and Irish also reported. The most common religious affiliations are Catholic, No religion, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Buddhism.
History and Governance
The shire was established in 1906. The council seat is in Berrigan. The mayor is Julia Cornwell-McKean, an unaligned politician.
A 2015 review by the NSW Government Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal recommended that Berrigan Council merge with parts of Jerilderie Shire to form a new council. However, the NSW Government decided in May 2016 not to proceed with the proposed amalgamation.
Council Composition
Berrigan Shire Council is composed of eight councillors elected proportionally as a single ward for a fixed four-year term. The mayor is elected by the councillors at the first meeting of the council. As of the most recent election held on 14 September 2024, the council consists of seven councillors (with one seat vacant), all of whom are independents or unaligned.
State and Federal Representation
Berrigan Shire falls within the New South Wales state electorate of Murray and the Australian federal division of Farrer.
