Federation Council has formally adopted its Operational Plan & Annual Budget for 2026/27 alongside its revised Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) for 2026-2036. Following a public exhibition and community consultation period, the final documents outline a disciplined pathway focused heavily on core infrastructure renewal and long-term financial sustainability.
Guided by a strict 'needs before wants' principle, the 2026/27 budget balances a $21.13 million capital works program, inclusive of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) approved 11.8% general rate increase. This rate adjustment marks the final year of the approved Special Rate Variation (SRV).
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook, extended her sincere thanks to the community for their active engagement and invaluable feedback during the planning process.
"On behalf of Council, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to every resident, business owner, and community group member who took the time to review our draft plans, attend information sessions, and submit their thoughts," said Mayor Cook.
"Following our independent review by the University of Newcastle, Council committed to putting our community's essential infrastructure first. This budget honors that promise. Council is prioritising the maintenance and renewal of what we already own - our vital road networks, water systems, and stormwater drainage - before creating new assets. It is a responsible, grounded plan to safeguard the core services our community relies on every single day."
The adopted plans distribute targeted funding across Council's five core strategic pillars - Built, Economic, Natural, Social, and Well-Governed Federation to systematically work toward the long-term Future Federation 2040 vision.
Major Highlights of the 2026/27 Plan & Annual Budget:
Roads and Infrastructure Renewal ($5.59M): Major direct capital investments targeting local and regional road upgrades. Key transport corridors slated for renewal include Merton Road (Collendina), Narrow Plains Road (Narrow Plain), Wandong Road (Savernake), and Yamma Road (Morundah-Coleambally).
Water Network Security ($9M): Formal budget allocation and construction commencement for the highly anticipated Howlong Reservoir project ($7.75M), alongside a $200,000 infrastructure upgrade to commission the Lavis Road bore for Balldale's alternate water supply.
Flood Risk Management: Progressing essential flood risk management studies and plan updates for Corowa, Howlong, and Mulwala, while delivering localised stormwater upgrades to regional villages.
Community and Family Services: Sustaining highly valued community operations, including the mobile preschool service ($394,000), static and mobile library networks, localised youth and senior citizen strategies, and a $302,000 investment into the Riverina Murray Weeds Action Plan.
Operational Efficiency Service Reviews: Implementing rigorous internal service reviews across multiple council departments - including sporting playgrounds, quarries, caravan parks, and finance - alongside a robust Cyber Security Framework to optimise asset management and ensure ratepayer value for money.
Mayor Cook said the newly adopted Long-Term Financial Plan models financial scenarios across the next decade to proactively manage cash constraints, structure necessary borrowing parameters for future major water and sewage treatment upgrades, and implement stringent internal cost-containment initiatives.
"Securing our financial future requires making tough choices today," Mayor Cook added. "While the 11.8% rate increase is vital to fixing our underlying deficit, it must be matched by operational efficiency. By sharpening our pricing structures, exploring the divestment of surplus assets, and driving productivity, we are working to protect the unique character and long-term liveability of the Federation region."
The final adopted copies of the Operational Plan, Annual Budget, and Long-Term Financial Plan are available to view on the Federation Council website.
