Council is reporting a draft $520.4 million Budget 2026-27, that signals significant improvement in its financial position.
A concerted effort to reduce debt will continue this financial year, with the draft budget including $9.6 million in early loan repayments, bringing debt levels down by half for the General Fund compared to 2024 and marking a $53 million reduction over two years.
The General Fund operating deficit is forecast to fall from $35.2 million in June 2024 to $6 million by June 2027.
"This is a phenomenal turnaround for Council and a direct result of the efforts of the Mayor, Councillors and staff from across the organisation to adopt strict financial discipline in every decision that's made," said CEO Andrew Constance.
"Like many councils across NSW, Shoalhaven has faced significant financial sustainability challenges, but this budget shows we are turning that around," Mr Constance said.
"Setting this year's budget involved a deep dive and line by line-item assessment comprehensive review to identify efficiencies within each department and found further savings, including additional overhead reductions in materials and services budgets, contributing to Council's improved operating position," he said.
"While the reduced deficit is a positive indication, we know that there's a lot more work ahead to sustain services and address the backlog of maintenance needed to roads and facilities.
"We are gathering the data needed to understand the true condition of our roads, stormwater assets and buildings, so that we can work through how to fund these into the future," he said.
A city-wide road condition assessment report completed last year identified that $280 million is needed to address the current backlog of road renewal work, while the draft Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan indicates that investment of $800 million is needed over the next 30 years to meet community needs. Assessments of stormwater infrastructure and footpaths are currently underway.
More than $132 million is proposed for a capital works program this financial year to prioritise critical infrastructure projects, including $51.6 million for water and sewer and $33.1 million for road maintenance and renewal. An additional $8 million will be spent on upgrading playgrounds and community facilities, $4.8 million and $2.5 million on waterway infrastructure and beach access.
The Extraordinary Meeting for the draft budget, Delivery Program and Operational Plan will be held at 5:30pm Thursday 30 April. The full report is available on Council's website, Shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.
