LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL DRAFT 25-29 DELIVERY PROGRAM & LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN AND 25/26 OPERATIONAL PLAN, BUDGET & REVENUE POLICY KEY CHANGES TO FEES & CHARGES Fees and charges have increased by 7% on average (ranging between 3% and 10%) as Council seeks to achieve higher levels of cost recovery where residents enjoy direct benefits. Council continues to subsidise some fees to ensure everyone in the community can participate and enjoy certain activities. A number of fees have been removed and consolidated and others have been added. If you use Council's services please take the time to review the fees and charges. Waste Annual Charges increased by 4%; Water Charges increased by 7%; Sewerage Charges increased by 7%. $334,686 HAVE YOUR SAY YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT TO COUNCIL View the full DRAFT 25-29 Delivery Program & Long- Term Financial Plan and 25/26 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy on Council's website at leeton.nsw.gov.au or on Council's 'Have Your Say' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton. nsw.gov.au. Hard copies are available for viewing by the public at Council's Administration Office, Leeton Library, Yanco Shop, and Murrami and Whitton Post Offices. MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR AND GENERAL MANAGER On behalf of Leeton Shire Council, we are pleased to present the DRAFT Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025/26 (DPOP) which outlines Council's commitment to maintaining and building a strong, vibrant, and sustainable future for our community. The DRAFT DPOP is the first for this term of Council and has been developed in response to the Community Strategic Plan - Leeton On The Go Towards 2035. Being an asset-heavy organisation, we have also sought to ensure our infrastructure - currently valued at $561M - is being looked after appropriately for both current and future (including Deneration$8.54 making an effort to catch up the $22.72M backlog by this term). When engaging with residents over the last six months, Council has heard that it needs to keep / maintain all the services / service levels we have. We also had strong advocacy from residents to improve roads, housing, the Leeton Stadium/Ovals Sporting Precinct, and economic development opportunities. You'd also like to see even greater advocacy around important matters that are not core Council business (water buybacks, health, policing, housing and more). In response to what staff told us, the organisation needs additional resourcing in IT, HR and Grant Writing / Submission Writing. To temporarily support the full set up of Roxy Operations, we've also planned to fund a small operational team (for two years only). These are all included in the DRAFT DPOP. Listening to the community's wants and needs, responding to organisational workforce needs; and balancing the books' continues to be a big challenge for Council. Leeton Shire Council remains financially unsustainable and has now got to the point of needing urgent action as we will exhaust our unrestricted cash by the end of 25/26 and will have to start using internally restricted cash for operational purposes, which is not prudent. To manage the situation, Council intends to only progress the 'nice to haves' if significant grant funding ng can be found or once we have a clear and adopted path regarding our financial sustainability. We know there will be lots of debate about what is nice and what is essential - so this is where your feedback is so important to Council. Please make a point to have your say! We will continue to manage Council's finances as efficiently and effectively as possible, including continuing Service Reviews. For 2025/26 the focus will be on Parks & Open Spaces and Roads. Our Audit Risk and Improvement Committee will assist us to determine other Service Review priorities for future years. Finally, University of Newcastle Professors Joseph Drew, Masato Miyazaki and Yunji Kim are undertaking a review of Council's finances. This work will be completed in July 2025 and will be the starting point for many rounds of conversations with you, our residents, about how to get back half of 2025/26. track financially in the first Remember that the DRAFT DPOP should be read in conjunction with Council's Resourcing Strategy (Long-Term Financial Plan, Asset Management Strategy and Workforce Plan), and the DRAFT Annual Budget and Revenue Policy for 2025/26. We call this our Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) suite of documents. which can all be found on Council's website at www.leeton.nsw. gov.au In closing. Council is committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Leeton remains a great place to live, work, and play. We believe the DRAFT D steady progress and prehensive roadmap for hire for generations to come. Best wishes, and prosperous FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IF THIS PLAN IS ADOPTED The Rate Peg of 4.4% has been applied to Council's General Rates. While this means that Council's total General Rates Income Increase is capped at 4.4% does not necessarily mean that any individual rates obligation will increase by 4.4% - some may be less, some may be more. This is the final year of the "rate peg holiday for farmers. Overall, Council's 2025/26 Budget forecasts an operating dect of $3.47M excluding Capital Grants Income. If Capital Grants Income is included, the result is a surplus of $293. The General Fund (excl. Domestic Waste Management) has a forecast operating deficit of $4.27M excluding Capital Grants Income ($371K dec Including Capital Grants Income). From a cash perspective. Council is forecasting a decrease in the General Fund Unrestricted cash of $2.15M Council's Water and Domestic Waste funds are forecast to make smal operatiha surpluses, while the Sewer fund is forecast to have a small operating deficit. The budget has been bult on the premise that existing services will be maintained with overall expenditure Increased by 2.5% which is lower than construction cost Intation & running Employee costs will rise due to Award Increases of 3% and lump sum award payments (negotiated by LGNSW and Unions), FTE Increases, new childcare splinter award increases and a further OPERATING BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Consolidated CAPITAL BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Water Fund Consolidated The curent budget highlights that it Council doesn't take action. Council's expenses will continue to exceed operating Income resulting in ongoing operating deficits In the short-term Council will need to Ensure future cash budgets are in surplus to restore an adequate level of Consider opportunities to increase revenue including community consultation on a Special Rate Variation: Identify efficiencies and reprioritisation of services to a financially sustainable level in consultation with the community We forecast receiving $2.66M capital grant for the Brob the Brobenah Road Housing project and $1M for Roxy Stage 2. being part of the 2025/26 capital works program The following discretionary capital projects have been identified by the community as part of consultation on the Community Strategic Plan: Sporting Prechnet Expansion (including Stadiums), Whitton Pool Renewal, Whitton Museum Renewals Including Courthouse), Brobenah Road Affordable Housing. Golf Club Estate Council Housing. Gogeldrie Wer Cabins and Eventide Homes- Yanco Social Housing Expansion Project. A full list can be found on Council's online engagement portal at https://haveyoursay.leeton.now.gov.au BUDGET SUMMARY 2025/26 How Council will get its income in 2025/26 Interest and Cons Annival Charges Crack and PROPOSED CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM 2025/26 Project CORPORATE SERVICES VALUED AT $16.55M Grant & Contributions Internal Restriction External Restriction Loans General fund Eventide Homes Annual Renewal Eventide Homes-Planning Yanco Social Housing Expansion Gogeldrie Wer Caretaker House Maintenance Work Leeton Early Learning Centre Administration Office Renovations Leeton Early Learning Centre New Automated Watering System Annual Computer Fleet Replacement Corporate Information Systems Annual Allocation Network Infrastructure ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Leeton Museum and Art Gallery Rear Roof Replacement Whitton Museum Renewals including Courthouse) Golf Club Estate House Development (Phase 1 INCOME (SK) EXPENSE (SK) RESULT (SK) RESULT EX CAPITAL (SK) 28,457 4,036 (372) (4.275) 3,751 285 285 5.465 539 3.861 4,021 (159) (184) 42.679 42.384 214 (3.448) Brobenah Road Affordable Housing 20-Lots Subdivision Works Roxy Upgrade-Stage 2 (Completion) OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION Sporting Precinct Masterplan $1,000,000 EXTERNAL FUNDS & RESTRICTIONS (SK) INTERNAL FUNDS & RESTRICTIONS (SK) TOTAL INVESTMENT (5K) 11,840 1,700 13.541 1,465 14,850 1,700 1,465 1,545 16.551 How Council will spend its Income in 2025/26 by Expenditure Type Depreciation Detailed Planning Stadium Expansion Stadium Roof Renewal Plant & Vehicle Replacement Mountford Park Playground Upgrades Cemetery Expansion Minor Renewals of the Whitton Pool LAND AND BUILDINGS Building Renewals Materials and ROADS & DRAINAGE General Rural and Urban Stormwater Drainage Increase and Improve Stormwater Capacity Rural and Urban Road Reseal Program Bus Shelter Upgrades (Wilda Street, Lilypilly Road) Footpath Renewals New Footpaths as per Active Transport Plan Gravel Road Resheeting Kerb & Gutter How Council will spend its income in 2025/26 by Service Area Community Services and Community Development Museum, Arts and Cultural Services Environmental Sustainability and Governance and Administration tresion 15% 7% Emergency Services Parks, Streetscapes and Sporting Facilities Economic Development Water and Sewer Services 8% 21% Roads and Drainage 20% 7% Repairs to Whitton-Darlington Point Road (MR539) Sealed Road Rehabilitation Program (incl Roads to Recovery) Library Pedestrian Crossing, Disabled Corpark and Signage Traffic facilities (incl safety improvements and signage) Bridge Renewals $1,050.225 Rural Roads Heavy Patching Shoulder Widening (Wattle Road) SEWER $27,500 $13,500 $10,000 $40,000 $45,000 $200,000 $160,000 $180,000 $85.000 $450,000 $400,000 $100,000 $450,000 $1,479,473 $4.527 $100,000 $1,200,000 $10,000 $174,690 $90,000 $725,000 $20,000 $100,000 $150,000 Sewerage Mains, Manholes and Vents Sewer Pump Stations-Overhauls (incl Pump Station 27) Sewer Pump Station - No. 4 Overhaul-Vance Estate $190,000 $265,000 $150,000 Leeton Treatment Plant Sedimentation Tank Automation Leeton Treatment Plant-Alum Dosing Tank Level Sensors Leeton Treatment Plant-Sludge Transfer Pump and Access Leeton Treatment Plant-Inlet Gantries and Walkways Upgrades $100,000 $15,000 $325,000 $300,000 Leeton Treatment Plant-New Septic Tank Waste Receival Facility/Ponds WATER $200,000 Water Mains-Replacements $470,000 $200,000 Ongoing Installation of SMART Meters $20,000 Whitton & Murram Filtration Plants Telemetry Upgrades $50,000 Whitton Fitration Plant-Upgrade Batching System $100,000 Leeton Fitration Plant-Valve Audit & Repair $30,000 Leeton Filtration Plant-Sedimentation Tank Launder Replacement $150,000 Leeton Fitration Plant-Soda Ash System Upgrade $50,000 Leeton Filtration Plant-Upgrades to Dosing Pumps $150,000 Leeton Fitration Plant Automation of Dosage Pumps Leeton Fitration Plant Chemical Storage Sensors Leeton Filtration Plant-Sludge Valve Automation $100,000 $70,000 Planning, Building and Public Health Water Mains-Renewal Income and Expenditure by Community Strategic Plan Theme -- Cr George Weston Mrs Jackie Kruger Mayor General Manager LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL T: 02 6953 0911 | F: 02 6953 0977 | E: council@leeton.nsw.gov.au | 23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton | AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY 02 6953 0911 www.leeton.nsw.gov.au $80,000 $200,000 $700,000 $20,000 $20,000 $100,000 Scan this QR code $60,000 $150,000 and complete the survey! SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY COUNCIL BY 5PM, TUESDAY, 3 JUNE 2025. Feedback can be provided any of the following ways: Electronically (Preferred): Complete the short survey on Council's 'Have Your Say' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au. Email to: council@leeton.nsw.gov.au Letter to: The General Manager, 23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton NSW 2705. Any feedback received will be considered by Council at a public forum and workshop scheduled for 10 June 2025, ahead of Council's final decision at the June Ordinary Council Meeting. @leetonshirecouncil LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL DRAFT 25-29 DELIVERY PROGRAM & LONG - TERM FINANCIAL PLAN AND 25/26 OPERATIONAL PLAN , BUDGET & REVENUE POLICY KEY CHANGES TO FEES & CHARGES Fees and charges have increased by 7 % on average ( ranging between 3 % and 10 % ) as Council seeks to achieve higher levels of cost recovery where residents enjoy direct benefits . Council continues to subsidise some fees to ensure everyone in the community can participate and enjoy certain activities . A number of fees have been removed and consolidated and others have been added . If you use Council's services please take the time to review the fees and charges . Waste Annual Charges increased by 4 % ; Water Charges increased by 7 % ; Sewerage Charges increased by 7 % . $ 334,686 HAVE YOUR SAY YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT TO COUNCIL View the full DRAFT 25-29 Delivery Program & Long- Term Financial Plan and 25/26 Operational Plan , Budget and Revenue Policy on Council's website at leeton.nsw.gov.au or on Council's ' Have Your Say ' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton . nsw.gov.au. Hard copies are available for viewing by the public at Council's Administration Office , Leeton Library , Yanco Shop , and Murrami and Whitton Post Offices . MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR AND GENERAL MANAGER On behalf of Leeton Shire Council , we are pleased to present the DRAFT Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025/26 ( DPOP ) which outlines Council's commitment to maintaining and building a strong , vibrant , and sustainable future for our community . The DRAFT DPOP is the first for this term of Council and has been developed in response to the Community Strategic Plan - Leeton On The Go Towards 2035. Being an asset - heavy organisation , we have also sought to ensure our infrastructure - currently valued at $ 561M - is being looked after appropriately for both current and future ( including Deneration $ 8.54 making an effort to catch up the $ 22.72M backlog by this term ) . When engaging with residents over the last six months , Council has heard that it needs to keep / maintain all the services / service levels we have . We also had strong advocacy from residents to improve roads , housing , the Leeton Stadium / Ovals Sporting Precinct , and economic development opportunities . You'd also like to see even greater advocacy around important matters that are not core Council business ( water buybacks , health , policing , housing and more ) . In response to what staff told us , the organisation needs additional resourcing in IT , HR and Grant Writing / Submission Writing . To temporarily support the full set up of Roxy Operations , we've also planned to fund a small operational team ( for two years only ) . These are all included in the DRAFT DPOP . Listening to the community's wants and needs , responding to organisational workforce needs ; and balancing the books ' continues to be a big challenge for Council . Leeton Shire Council remains financially unsustainable and has now got to the point of needing urgent action as we will exhaust our unrestricted cash by the end of 25/26 and will have to start using internally restricted cash for operational purposes , which is not prudent . To manage the situation , Council intends to only progress the ' nice to haves ' if significant grant funding ng can be found or once we have a clear and adopted path regarding our financial sustainability . We know there will be lots of debate about what is nice and what is essential - so this is where your feedback is so important to Council . Please make a point to have your say ! We will continue to manage Council's finances as efficiently and effectively as possible , including continuing Service Reviews . For 2025/26 the focus will be on Parks & Open Spaces and Roads . Our Audit Risk and Improvement Committee will assist us to determine other Service Review priorities for future years . Finally , University of Newcastle Professors Joseph Drew , Masato Miyazaki and Yunji Kim are undertaking a review of Council's finances . This work will be completed in July 2025 and will be the starting point for many rounds of conversations with you , our residents , about how to get back half of 2025/26 . track financially in the first Remember that the DRAFT DPOP should be read in conjunction with Council's Resourcing Strategy ( Long - Term Financial Plan , Asset Management Strategy and Workforce Plan ) , and the DRAFT Annual Budget and Revenue Policy for 2025/26 . We call this our Integrated Planning and Reporting ( IPR ) suite of documents . which can all be found on Council's website at www.leeton.nsw . gov.au In closing . Council is committed to delivering high - quality infrastructure , supporting local businesses , and ensuring that Leeton remains a great place to live , work , and play . We believe the DRAFT D steady progress and prehensive roadmap for hire for generations to come . Best wishes , and prosperous FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IF THIS PLAN IS ADOPTED The Rate Peg of 4.4 % has been applied to Council's General Rates . While this means that Council's total General Rates Income Increase is capped at 4.4 % does not necessarily mean that any individual rates obligation will increase by 4.4 % - some may be less , some may be more . This is the final year of the " rate peg holiday for farmers . Overall , Council's 2025/26 Budget forecasts an operating dect of $ 3.47M excluding Capital Grants Income . If Capital Grants Income is included , the result is a surplus of $ 293 . The General Fund ( excl . Domestic Waste Management ) has a forecast operating deficit of $ 4.27M excluding Capital Grants Income ( $ 371K dec Including Capital Grants Income ) . From a cash perspective . Council is forecasting a decrease in the General Fund Unrestricted cash of $ 2.15M Council's Water and Domestic Waste funds are forecast to make smal operatiha surpluses , while the Sewer fund is forecast to have a small operating deficit . The budget has been bult on the premise that existing services will be maintained with overall expenditure Increased by 2.5 % which is lower than construction cost Intation & running Employee costs will rise due to Award Increases of 3 % and lump sum award payments ( negotiated by LGNSW and Unions ) , FTE Increases , new childcare splinter award increases and a further OPERATING BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Consolidated CAPITAL BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Water Fund Consolidated The curent budget highlights that it Council doesn't take action . Council's expenses will continue to exceed operating Income resulting in ongoing operating deficits In the short - term Council will need to Ensure future cash budgets are in surplus to restore an adequate level of Consider opportunities to increase revenue including community consultation on a Special Rate Variation : Identify efficiencies and reprioritisation of services to a financially sustainable level in consultation with the community We forecast receiving $ 2.66M capital grant for the Brob the Brobenah Road Housing project and $ 1M for Roxy Stage 2. being part of the 2025/26 capital works program The following discretionary capital projects have been identified by the community as part of consultation on the Community Strategic Plan : Sporting Prechnet Expansion ( including Stadiums ) , Whitton Pool Renewal , Whitton Museum Renewals Including Courthouse ) , Brobenah Road Affordable Housing . Golf Club Estate Council Housing . Gogeldrie Wer Cabins and Eventide Homes- Yanco Social Housing Expansion Project . A full list can be found on Council's online engagement portal at https://haveyoursay.leeton.now.gov.au BUDGET SUMMARY 2025/26 How Council will get its income in 2025/26 Interest and Cons Annival Charges Crack and PROPOSED CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM 2025/26 Project CORPORATE SERVICES VALUED AT $ 16.55M Grant & Contributions Internal Restriction External Restriction Loans General fund Eventide Homes Annual Renewal Eventide Homes - Planning Yanco Social Housing Expansion Gogeldrie Wer Caretaker House Maintenance Work Leeton Early Learning Centre Administration Office Renovations Leeton Early Learning Centre New Automated Watering System Annual Computer Fleet Replacement Corporate Information Systems Annual Allocation Network Infrastructure ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Leeton Museum and Art Gallery Rear Roof Replacement Whitton Museum Renewals including Courthouse ) Golf Club Estate House Development ( Phase 1 INCOME ( SK ) EXPENSE ( SK ) RESULT ( SK ) RESULT EX CAPITAL ( SK ) 28,457 4,036 ( 372 ) ( 4.275 ) 3,751 285 285 5.465 539 3.861 4,021 ( 159 ) ( 184 ) 42.679 42.384 214 ( 3.448 ) Brobenah Road Affordable Housing 20 - Lots Subdivision Works Roxy Upgrade - Stage 2 ( Completion ) OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION Sporting Precinct Masterplan $ 1,000,000 EXTERNAL FUNDS & RESTRICTIONS ( SK ) INTERNAL FUNDS & RESTRICTIONS ( SK ) TOTAL INVESTMENT ( 5K ) 11,840 1,700 13.541 1,465 14,850 1,700 1,465 1,545 16.551 How Council will spend its Income in 2025/26 by Expenditure Type Depreciation Detailed Planning Stadium Expansion Stadium Roof Renewal Plant & Vehicle Replacement Mountford Park Playground Upgrades Cemetery Expansion Minor Renewals of the Whitton Pool LAND AND BUILDINGS Building Renewals Materials and ROADS & DRAINAGE General Rural and Urban Stormwater Drainage Increase and Improve Stormwater Capacity Rural and Urban Road Reseal Program Bus Shelter Upgrades ( Wilda Street , Lilypilly Road ) Footpath Renewals New Footpaths as per Active Transport Plan Gravel Road Resheeting Kerb & Gutter How Council will spend its income in 2025/26 by Service Area Community Services and Community Development Museum , Arts and Cultural Services Environmental Sustainability and Governance and Administration tresion 15 % 7 % Emergency Services Parks , Streetscapes and Sporting Facilities Economic Development Water and Sewer Services 8 % 21 % Roads and Drainage 20 % 7 % Repairs to Whitton - Darlington Point Road ( MR539 ) Sealed Road Rehabilitation Program ( incl Roads to Recovery ) Library Pedestrian Crossing , Disabled Corpark and Signage Traffic facilities ( incl safety improvements and signage ) Bridge Renewals $ 1,050.225 Rural Roads Heavy Patching Shoulder Widening ( Wattle Road ) SEWER $ 27,500 $ 13,500 $ 10,000 $ 40,000 $ 45,000 $ 200,000 $ 160,000 $ 180,000 $ 85.000 $ 450,000 $ 400,000 $ 100,000 $ 450,000 $ 1,479,473 $ 4.527 $ 100,000 $ 1,200,000 $ 10,000 $ 174,690 $ 90,000 $ 725,000 $ 20,000 $ 100,000 $ 150,000 Sewerage Mains , Manholes and Vents Sewer Pump Stations - Overhauls ( incl Pump Station 27 ) Sewer Pump Station - No. 4 Overhaul - Vance Estate $ 190,000 $ 265,000 $ 150,000 Leeton Treatment Plant Sedimentation Tank Automation Leeton Treatment Plant - Alum Dosing Tank Level Sensors Leeton Treatment Plant - Sludge Transfer Pump and Access Leeton Treatment Plant - Inlet Gantries and Walkways Upgrades $ 100,000 $ 15,000 $ 325,000 $ 300,000 Leeton Treatment Plant - New Septic Tank Waste Receival Facility / Ponds WATER $ 200,000 Water Mains - Replacements $ 470,000 $ 200,000 Ongoing Installation of SMART Meters $ 20,000 Whitton & Murram Filtration Plants Telemetry Upgrades $ 50,000 Whitton Fitration Plant - Upgrade Batching System $ 100,000 Leeton Fitration Plant - Valve Audit & Repair $ 30,000 Leeton Filtration Plant - Sedimentation Tank Launder Replacement $ 150,000 Leeton Fitration Plant - Soda Ash System Upgrade $ 50,000 Leeton Filtration Plant - Upgrades to Dosing Pumps $ 150,000 Leeton Fitration Plant Automation of Dosage Pumps Leeton Fitration Plant Chemical Storage Sensors Leeton Filtration Plant - Sludge Valve Automation $ 100,000 $ 70,000 Planning , Building and Public Health Water Mains - Renewal Income and Expenditure by Community Strategic Plan Theme -- Cr George Weston Mrs Jackie Kruger Mayor General Manager LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL T : 02 6953 0911 | F : 02 6953 0977 | E : council@leeton.nsw.gov.au | 23-25 Chelmsford Place , Leeton | AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY 02 6953 0911 www.leeton.nsw.gov.au $ 80,000 $ 200,000 $ 700,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000 $ 100,000 Scan this QR code $ 60,000 $ 150,000 and complete the survey ! SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY COUNCIL BY 5PM , TUESDAY , 3 JUNE 2025 . Feedback can be provided any of the following ways : Electronically ( Preferred ) : Complete the short survey on Council's ' Have Your Say ' online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au . Email to : council@leeton.nsw.gov.au Letter to : The General Manager , 23-25 Chelmsford Place , Leeton NSW 2705 . Any feedback received will be considered by Council at a public forum and workshop scheduled for 10 June 2025 , ahead of Council's final decision at the June Ordinary Council Meeting . @leetonshirecouncil