Leeton Shire Council has completed the first round of a detailed review into Council's non-regulated fees and charges, providing greater transparency around the cost of delivering community facilities and services and the level of subsidy supported by ratepayers.
The review was initiated following discussions and recommendations from Council's Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee (FSAC) and forms part of Council's broader efforts to strengthen long-term financial sustainability.
Round 1 findings were tabled at the May 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting and examined ten Council facilities and services, including sporting grounds and facilities, the Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre, Leeton Museum and Art Gallery, the Visitor Information Centre, Whitton Swimming Pool, the Stadium and several community services.
Mayor Cr George Weston said the review was about helping councillors and the community better understand the cost of delivering local facilities and services.
"This is about transparency and informed decision-making," Cr Weston said.
"Many of Council's facilities and services are intentionally subsidised because they deliver important social, recreational and community benefits.
"We know our community values these facilities and services highly," he said.
Cr Krystal Maytom acknowledged the usefulness of the cost / subsidy assessments and urged that "the bigger picture" not get lost when it comes to the value these services provide to the community.
"The figures in the report don't capture every benefit these facilities and services create," Cr Maytom said.
Cr Weston also said the findings would help guide future conversations around pricing, service levels and financial sustainability.
"This work is about making sure Council and the community have a clear picture of the true cost of delivering these facilities and services, the contribution made by ratepayers, and where there may be opportunities to improve efficiency or cost recovery over time. It also provides the chance to check that the level of subsidy is fair for all concerned."
The report highlighted that subsidy levels vary significantly across facilities and services, with some operating close to full cost recovery while others require substantial annual support from ratepayers.
Council noted that this is only the first stage of the review, with two further rounds still to be completed covering additional facilities and services including the Roxy Theatre, Leeton Early Learning Centre, Library, cemeteries, public halls and other community operations.
A broader information campaign will now follow, with Council planning a series of detailed spotlights on individual facilities and services to help explain their operations, costs, community benefits and level of ratepayer subsidy.
The report is available on Council's website.
