Edward River Council has adopted its 2026-2027 Operational Plan and Budget, along with an updated Delivery Program 2025-2029, paving the way for another year of investment in community priorities, essential infrastructure and local services.
Together, these key documents outline how Council will deliver for the community over the next 12 months and continue progressing its long-term vision under the Community Strategic Plan: Towards 2035.
The Operational Plan focuses on the projects, services and initiatives to be delivered in the year ahead, while the Budget ensures these are supported by responsible and sustainable financial planning.
The updated Delivery Program provides a clear four-year roadmap, strengthening how Council tracks progress towards its goals.
In line with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) determination, general rates will increase by 3.0% for the 2026-27 financial year.
Investing in community priorities
The adopted 2026-27 Budget demonstrates Council's continued commitment to delivering for the community, with:
• Total revenue of $39 million
• Operating expenses of $37 million
• A forecast operating surplus of $2.3 million
• $5.6 million in grant funding and $4.2 million in borrowings supporting key infrastructure
• A Capital Works Program totalling $14.87 million
Major investments include:
• $6.3 million for roads, kerb & gutter and footpath networks
• $3.7 million for flood mitigation and drainage improvements
• $1 million for water infrastructure
• $878,000 for sewer infrastructure
Mayor Hall said these investments will deliver tangible benefits for residents both now and into the future.
"Our focus is on continuing to build a strong, connected and resilient community," he said.
"From improving our roads and drainage to investing in critical infrastructure, these projects will support our region's growth and liveability for years to come."
Strengthening long-term planning
The updated Delivery Program 2025-2029 has been refined to better align with legislative requirements and clearly distinguish long-term commitments from annual actions.
Chief Executive Officer Jack Bond said the improvements will help Council deliver even greater clarity and accountability.
"The updated Delivery Program strengthens how we plan, deliver and report on our commitments to the community," Mr Bond said.
"It ensures everything we do is clearly linked back to our long-term vision, while giving the community greater transparency around our progress."
Balancing ambition with financial reality
Council acknowledged the ongoing financial pressures facing local government, including rising costs and increasing demand for services.
"Like many regional councils, we are working in an environment where costs continue to rise faster than our income, and there is a growing burden of cost shifting from other levels of government," Mayor Hall said.
"As a smaller regional council, we don't have access to the same revenue opportunities as larger cities, which makes careful financial management essential."
Despite these challenges, Mr Bond said Council remains focused on delivering value for the community.
"These plans reflect a careful balance - maintaining the services our community relies on every day, while continuing to invest in the infrastructure that supports our future," he said.
Community voices helped shape the outcome
Mayor Ashley Hall said community input played an important role in shaping the final plans.
"We really value the feedback we receive from our community, and it's great to see people engaging with these important documents," Mayor Hall said.
"The submissions and conversations we had during the exhibition period helped us refine the plans and ensure they reflect what matters most to our residents."
Council received 15 submissions on the Draft Operational Plan and Budget and two on the Delivery Program, with additional input gathered through community information sessions attended by more than 30 residents across the region.
Following this process, Councillors carefully reviewed all feedback and made a number of refinements, along with updates based on the latest financial information.
Looking ahead
Mayor Hall said the adopted plans reflect a shared vision for the region's future.
"It shows what we can achieve together - a community that is engaged, forward-looking and committed to making Edward River an even better place to live, work and visit."
The adopted 2026-27 Operational Plan and Budget and updated Delivery Program 2025-2029 are available on Council's website.
