Carrathool Council

Carrathool Shire is a local government area in New South Wales, Australia, bordering the Riverina and Far West regions. It covers 18,933 square kilometres and is located near the Mid-Western Highway and north of the Sturt Highway. The largest town in the Shire is Hillston, with the council seat in Goolgowi. Other villages in the area include Merriwagga, Rankins Springs, and Carrathool. The region, once plagued by regular droughts, now supports irrigated crops, gardens, greened sporting facilities, and village verges.

Carrathool council area has a varied demographic profile, with a notable concentration of residents aged above 50. Family households primarily consist of couples with children and childless couples. The local economy is driven by industries such as agriculture, forestry, and fishing, reflecting the area's rural nature.