Deepwater already has a strong identity - heritage character, a growing artisan economy, and a community with real energy and momentum.

The Deepwater Masterplan is about revealing that identity more clearly and backing it with a robust plan, built together by Council and the Deepwater community.

This is the first project to commence under Council's Draft Precincts Activation Framework and Strategy - a collaborative, community-led and Council-supported approach to strengthening local identity, improving public spaces, supporting community activity, encouraging events, and creating more opportunities for local businesses, residents and visitors across the Glen Innes Highlands.

Nobody knows Deepwater like the people who live there, and our project team will be coming to where people already are - through Deepwater's own groups, businesses and gathering places - to make sure that local knowledge shapes a Masterplan built for better public spaces, more activity and events, and a stronger future for the village.

Some of the things people are already talking about: the arrival experience and how the village presents from the highway, the river and everything it offers, public spaces designed for connection and community life, heritage assets like the railway station and what they could become, footpaths and public facilities, what the village needs to welcome visitors and encourage them to stay longer, and the conditions for events and gatherings that bring people together across the year.

How you can get involved

Stay updated

Weekly updates on the Deepwater Progress Association's (DPA) Facebook page and Council's Facebook page - follow what's happening and what we're learning as we go.

Watch this page for confirmed activity dates and times as they're locked in.

Kitchen table conversations

21 July – 15 August

We'll come to you - through Deepwater's own groups, businesses and gathering places. Our project team will be reaching out to residents, traders and business owners, young people, older residents, families, recreation and arts and crafts clubs, visitors and First Nations community members.

Get in touch if you'd like our project team to visit your group, or if there's someone you know we should be talking to.

Drop In Sessions

Monday, 7 September | 11am - 12noon
Meet at Deepwater School of Arts

What changes would most improve the way people move around Deepwater?

What it covers: Footpaths (repairs needed and new paths), crossing the highway, accessibility for prams, older residents and residents with a disability, signage, lighting, road speeds and more.

Monday 7 September | 1.30pm - 3pm
Meet at Deepwater Railway Station

Where free camping be provided and what might make travellers stop?

What it covers: Stop and stay infrastructure including dump point, power, water, toliets and showers, signage, posssible locations, maintenance, insurance and more.

Wednesday 9 September | 10.30am - 12noon
Meet at the Deepwater School of Arts Hall

How might Deepwater grow as a regional destination through a seasonal calendar of events?

What it covers: Deepwater already has fabulous events and talented volunteers. What might support groups to work together to grow Deepwater’s regional reach?

Wednesday 9 September | 3pm - 4pm
Meet at Deepwater Tennis Courts

Why isn’t Deepwater River already the heart of the village, and what would change that?

What it covers: Walking paths, kayak launching spots, viewing areas, seating, barbeques and more

Deepwater afternoon tea and community workshop. Click here to RSVP

Sunday 27 September 2026 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
School of Arts, Deepwater

Community afternoon tea and drop in session. This is your chance to hear what the community has been telling us and help shape the priorities that will go into the Deepwater Masterplan.

View the full engagement schedule

Survey

Complete the survey below.

Throughout the engagement period: Paper survey and drop-off boxes

Hardcopies of the survey are available at the Deepwater post office (from 21 July). Just complete the form, and add it to the drop box. If you'd prefer to talk through the form, contact our project facilitator (Kylie) who will be happy to meet in person with you. Her phone number is available in our Who's Listening section.

Plans may shift a little as we go - including the odd pop-up session. We'll keep this page and the DPA Facebook page updated.

Kylie will also be spending plenty of time in and around Deepwater over the coming months - say hello if you spot her, or reach out to arrange a chat.

From the very first conversation, our project team will be listening for small, visible improvements that can happen now, without waiting for the Masterplan. These are captured in a Quick Wins Register and acted on as quickly as possible.

Council officers, leaders and councillors will be visible and on the ground throughout the project - joining walkshops through the village and the community workshop on 12 September.

Some changes might happen quickly - like better signage or small improvements. Others will take longer and need funding. Either way, it all starts with what you tell us.