Leeton Shire Council has adopted six key Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents following public exhibition and consideration of community feedback at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 29 June 2026.
The adopted suite includes the 2025-2029 Delivery Program and 2026/27 Operational Plan, 2026/27 Budget, 2026/27 Revenue Policy, 2026/27 Fees and Charges, 2026-2036 Long-Term Financial Plan and 2026-2036 Strategic Asset Management Plan.
Mayor Cr George Weston said the adopted documents provide an updated roadmap for Council as it continues delivering on the community's priorities while recognising the organisation's current financial position.
"The Delivery Program sets out Council's four-year commitment to the community, while the Operational Plan identifies the actions and services we will deliver in 2026/27," Cr Weston said.
"Given Council's constrained General Fund, the 2026/27 Budget focuses on maintaining essential services and delivering core infrastructure. No discretionary capital projects have been included in the 2026/27 Budget, with the emphasis firmly on maintaining essential services and responsible financial management.
"An important exception is the Brobenah Road affordable housing project, where Council will continue delivering enabling infrastructure following the recent announcement of more than $5.19 million in NSW Government funding. This project will help unlock much-needed housing opportunities for essential workers and our growing community."
The budget incorporates the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) rate peg of 2.7%. It also includes a 15% increase to annual waste charges, a 5% increase to water charges and a 7% increase to sewerage charges.
Council's Manager Governance and IP&R, Sarah Kingsbury, thanked residents who participated in the public exhibition process.
"We received 15 submissions on the draft documents, with two community members also speaking at a Public Forum on 9 June regarding Leeton Golf Club fees and the Mountford Park playground upgrade," Ms Kingsbury said.
A few changes in the final budget included covering the costs of the reticulated water project at Gogeldrie Weir from surplus 2026 water funds (instead of 2027) to align with a planned campground closure. Council also resolved to retain a $100,000 allocation for the proposed Whitton Museum, noting the funding may be redirected to other Whitton projects if the community decides not to proceed with the Museum. Extensive community consultation will occur before any final decisions are made.
Council also endorsed investigations into floodlighting upgrades at Yanco Sportsground, the re-establishment of quarterly sporting user group meetings, improved communication around overgrown nature strips, Council land, weed management and the Mountford Park Playground upgrade.
Cr Weston said the adoption of the documents once again signals strongly that Council is going to have to address its financial sustainability challenges, with community consultation planned for the first half of 2026/27.
"We know our community wants to be closely involved in shaping Council's future, and that's exactly what will happen. We'll be talking openly about the financial challenges we face, the options available to us, and the level of services and infrastructure our community wants into the future," he said.
"Council has been working with Professor Drew to consider our options and we will present these to you in the coming months with a view to getting your feedback on what path you'd like Council to take."
