Draft Plans Reflect Responsible Financial Management and Community Priorities
Wingecarribee Shire Council is committed to long-term financial sustainability and the responsible delivery of essential services for our community.
At the upcoming April Council meeting, a recommendation will be considered to investigate a possible Special Rate Variation (SRV) as part of the preparation for the 2026/27 Operational Plan and Budget.
To be clear - no decision has been made regarding an SRV. This recommendation is simply to begin a formal evaluation process that will consider all available options to address the growing pressures on Council’s finances and to maintain the services and infrastructure that our community expects.
Council has already demonstrated a strong commitment to budget containment, keeping expenditure within the 2.5% inflation benchmark, despite sector-wide cost increases of around 4%. We have made significant improvements in efficiency, reduced consultant reliance, and prioritised capital works to align with community needs.
This investigation is part of a comprehensive financial sustainability review programmed for 2025/26, aimed at understanding the long-term challenges ahead and ensuring Council can continue to deliver on its commitments without compromising the future.
Should the outcome of that review be that an SRV is necessary, it would be subject to rigorous community engagement and consultation, which means that the earliest that a SRV would come into effect would be in the 2027/28 financial year.
We want to ensure that residents understand Council’s financial position and the options available, well before any decisions are made.
These ongoing planning processes reflect Council’s commitment to the Community Strategic Plan for Wingecarribee Shire and to ensuring responsible, transparent governance for the term of this Council and beyond.
The full agenda for the 16 April 2025 Council Meeting, including the recommendation to investigate an SRV, is available on Council’s website here:
https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/meeting-minutes/2025/16-april-2025/agenda-ordinary-meeting-of-council-16-april-2025.pdf
Draft Resourcing Strategy 2025–2035, Draft Delivery Program 2025–2029, and Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2025–2026 can be reviewed from page 142:
https://www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/meeting-minutes/2025/16-april-2025/attachments-under-separate-cover-ordinary-meeting-of-council-16-april-2025.pdf