2026/2027 Operational Plan

The draft 2026/2027 Operational Plan (and appendices) have been developed in accordance with the Office of Local Government's legislated Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines and were endorsed by Council at the 12 May 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting to be placed on 28 days public exhibition, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW). This will be the second Operation Plan stemming from the 2025/2029 Delivery Program (which was adopted in June 2025).

Hardcopies are available at each of Council’s libraries and the Administration Building. Council must consider any submissions that have been made regarding the Plans during the 28 days.

Included as part of the Revenue Policy and recent rating review, it is recommended that Council adopt various changes to improve rating equity based on service provision. Changes include a minor rate redistribution from farmland to mining and business (Boggabri) to support outcomes from a review of the rates benefit model. Base rates have been set to improve the equity based on service provision.

A key action within Council’s Operational Plan is the development of a Financial Future Strategy to drive continuous improvement and long-term financial sustainability. The objective is a resilient and sustainable Council through improved management of finances, assets and workforce resources. Adoption of the strategy is a critical performance measure scheduled for completion in 2026/2027.

The following key takeaways for the proposed budget include:

• $729,220 operational deficit;
• $26,843,703 Capital Works Program (of which $19,856,407 is funded by grants and contributions);
• IPART Rate Peg of 3.4