LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL DRAFT 25-29 DELIVERY PROGRAM AND 26/27 OPERATIONAL PLAN, BUDGET & REVENUE POLICY (INCLUDING FEES AND CHARGES) MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR AND GENERAL MANAGER On behalf of Leeton Shire Council, we present the 2026/27 DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget. This Plan outlines the practical actions Council will deliver over the coming year to progress the Community Strategic Plan, Leeton On The Go - Towards 2035. and the Delivery Program 2025-2029, in a financially responsible and sustainable manner. Please take the time to read the DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget and provide feedback by Thursday 28 May 2026. The easiest way is through Have Your Say or by emailing council@leeton.nsw.gov.au. The Plan has been developed in the context of increasing financial pressures across the local government sector. In response, Council has taken a disciplined and measured approach, focusing on core responsibilities, essential services and the careful stewardship of community assets. All capital projects deemed non-essential or discretionary have been excluded from the 2026/27 DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget. These include Whitton Museum major repairs and the detailed design for the Leeton Sports Precinct and Gogeldrie Weir Cabins, as well as Electronic Signage at Town Entrance Ways and the Development of a Masterplan for Lake Paddock. Most will be moved into an aspirational scenario in the u the upcoming LTFP (Long- Term Financial Plan) instead. The Social Housing project for Yanco has been delayed by one year. Council will also consider pursuing a Special Variation in the first six months of 2026/27, with support from Professor Joseph Drew. The DRAFT LTFP and DRAFT SAMP (Strategic Asset Management Plan) will be finalised midyear and will be released for consultation then. Key capital priorities for the 2026/27 year include the maintenance and renewal of roads, buildings and critical infrastructure, along with the responsible management of Council's significant asset base and a new dog park for Leeton. If a major matching grant is forthcoming. Council will follow through on plans to install enabling infrastructure at the former Brobenah Rd Caravan Park / dog park to facilitate an affordable housing development. Decision-making will continue to be informed by evidence, affordability and long-term sustainability, ensuring services can be delivered now and into the future. The DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget also supports continued investment in facilities and services that contribute to community wellbeing including open spaces, recreation, cultural assets and environmental initiatives where these can be delivered within Council's financial capacity or supported through external funding. Advocacy remains an important part of Council's role. We will continue to represent the interests of the Leeton Shire community to other levels of government on matters such as water security, housing, health services, fu s, funding for priority infrastructure and increased government investment in local councils in general. This 2026/27 DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget reflects Council's ongoing commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability. Progress against the Plan will be monitored and reported throughout the year. We acknowledge the contribution of Cou of Councillors, rs, staff, community groups and volunteers who all support the delivery of services across the Shire. Council maintains our commitment to see these groups appropriately trained and supported to stand us in good stead now and into the future. By working together we will continue to maintain service excellence (as recognised recently by the Bluett Award), while simultaneously delivering continual improvement and financial sustainability. Cr George Weston Mrs Jackie Kruger Mayor General Manager FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IF THIS PLAN IS ADOPTED A Rate Peg of 2.7% has been set for Leeton Shire Council by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (PART). This figure has been applied to Council's General Rates. While this means that Council's total General Rates Income increase is capped at 2.7%, it does not necessarily mean that any individual rates obligation will increase by 2.7% - some may be less, some may be more. Overall Council's 2026/27 Budget forecasts an operating deficit of $938x excluding Capital Grants Income. If Capital Grants Income is included. the result is a surplus of $2.5M. The General Fund (excl. Domestic Waste Management) has a forecast operating deficit of $3.02M excluding Capital Grants Income ($222K surplus including Capital Grants Income). Council's Water, Domestic Waste and Sewer funds are forecast to make operating surpluses which will be reserved for upcoming capital projects. The budget has been built on the premise that existing services will be maintained with overall expenditure increased by 2%. Employee costs will rise with the indicative award increase of 4.5% OPERATING BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Consolidated CAPITAL BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Sewer 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 working capital Consider opportunities to increase revenue including a possible Special Variation in consultation with the community: Identify efficiencies and reprioritisation of services to a financially sustainable level in consultation with the community. We forecast receiving a $2.66M capital grant for the Brobenah Road Housing project, being part of the 2026/27 capital works program. Projects deemed non-essential or discretionary have been removed from the Budget. A full list can be found on Council's online engagement portal at https://haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au BUDGET SUMMARY 2026/27 5,861 1,354 PROPOSED CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM 2026/27 VALUED AT $15.22M Internal Restriction External Restriction Fund Project ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Gogeldre We Riverside Park Fence Repair tie Wet Riverside Park Sewer and Water Pipe Replacement Brobenah Road Affordable Housing Project Eventide Homes Renewal $2,661,081 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES (INCLUDING WASTE) Leeton Land & Recycling Centre-Rewing Weighbridge and Boom Gates Leeton Land & Recycling Centre-Decommissioning of Grease Traps Ponds Public Litter Bin Replacement (CBD) GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION $110,000 $96,000 $917,663 $30,000 $10,000 KEY CHANGES TO FEES & CHARGES Fees and charges have increased by 6% on average 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 which are part of the Revenue Policy. Charge Increase 15% Waste Charges-Annual $236.212 Water Charges Annual & Uhoge 5% $95,000 $270,000 Sewerage Charges Annual & Usage 7% $1,088,000 Yanco Land Remediation INCOME (SK) EXPENSE (SK) RESULT (SK) RESULT EX CAPITAL (SK) Building Renewals 29,445 222 13,026) 4445 7.214 1,248 4325 Leeton Museum and Art Gallery HVAC, Kitchen and Office Fitout Leeton Visitor Information Centre Upgrade-Restumping Plant & Vehicle Replacement 45.650 43.145 2,505 (938) GRANTS AND EXTERNAL RESTRICTIONS (SK) RATES AND INTERNAL RESTRICTIONS (SK) TOTAL INVESTMENT (SK) 5,148 5,225 10,373 PC Replacements-Annual Computer Fleet Replacement Corporate Information Systems Annual Allocation Network Infrastructure 1,194 1.194 1,450 1,450 MUSEUM, ARTS AND CULTURAL SERVICES 2,200 2,200 Whitton Museum Renewals (including Courthouse) $100,000 9.992 15.217 PARKS, STREETSCAPES AND SPORTING FACILITIES Mountford Park Playground Upgrade $20,000 New Off Leash Dog Park Flood Lights-Ovals $135,000 $180.000 $100,000 $135,000 $150,000 How Council will get its income in 2026/27 How Council will spend its income in 2026/27 by Expenditure Type Other Expenses and Investment Income Net Goin Rates and Grand Anal Charges 24% Al Drowning Tool-Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre Cemetery Expansion Renewal of Council Tollet Blocks, Change Rooms, BBQ Areas and Shelters $140,000 $180,00 $50,000 $10,000 $100,000 $100,000 HAVE YOUR SAY YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT TO COUNCIL View the full DRAFT 25-29 Delivery Program and 26/27 Operational Plan, Budget and Revenue Policy (including Fees and Charges) 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. Minor Renewals of the Whitton Pool Depreciation ROADS & DRAINAGE Footpath Renewall Employee New Footpaths Annual Reseal Program-Sealed Rural and Urban Roads Gravel Road Resheeting Kerb & Gutter Renewal $100,000 $80,000 Regional Block Grant Whitton Darlington Point Road JMR539) Roads to Recovery Program $170,00 $1,247,142 Sealed Road Rehabilitation Program $700,000 Bridge Renewals Materials and How Council will spend its income in 2026/27 by Service Area Community Services and Community Development 8% Museum, Arts and Cultural Services 4% Environmental Sustainability and Emergency Services 9% Governance and Administration 16% Parks, Streetscapes Water and Sewer Services 24% Roads and Drainage Economic Development 8% Planning, Building and Public Health Income and Expenditure by Community Strategic Plan Theme Local Road Heavy Patching Shoulder Widening General Rural and Urban Stormwater Drainage (Upgrade or New) $160,00 $60,000 $150,000 $100,000 $90.00 Stormwater Management Service Charge Projects (Upgrade or New) Stormwater Renewals Leeton Flood Risk Management Study and Plan Review Bus Shelter Upgrades Traffic Faces Committee Works SEWER Sewage Pumping Stations Overhauls $250,000 Pump Station No 1 Upgrade $100,00 Pump Station No 13 Upgrade $210,00 Ceton Sewerage Treatment Plant-New Septic Tank Waste Receival facility in Sedimentato Fonds $1,400,000 Leeton Sewerage Treatment Plant-Pond Bank Replacement $300,000 Leeton Sewerage Treatment Plant-Replacement of the EAT Plant Processor WATER $40,000 Ongoing Installation of Town Supply Metering to SMART Meters Water Mains-Renewal Telemetry Upgrades Leeton Filtration Plant-Soda Ash System Upgrade Leeton Filtration Plant-Sedimentation Tank Refurbishments Yanco Reservoir Investigation Fencing Parkview & Wattle Hill Reservoirs Leeton Raw Water Dam Fencing $20,000 $500,000 $50,000 $550,000 $150,000 $100,000 $20,00 $20,000 Scan the QR code and complete the survey! SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY COUNCIL BY 5PM, THURSDAY, 28 MAY 2026 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 Tuesday, 9 June 2026. 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 @leetonshirecouncil LEETON SHIRE COUNCIL DRAFT 25-29 DELIVERY PROGRAM AND 26/27 OPERATIONAL PLAN , BUDGET & REVENUE POLICY ( INCLUDING FEES AND CHARGES ) MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR AND GENERAL MANAGER On behalf of Leeton Shire Council , we present the 2026/27 DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget . This Plan outlines the practical actions Council will deliver over the coming year to progress the Community Strategic Plan , Leeton On The Go - Towards 2035 . and the Delivery Program 2025-2029 , in a financially responsible and sustainable manner . Please take the time to read the DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget and provide feedback by Thursday 28 May 2026. The easiest way is through Have Your Say or by emailing council@leeton.nsw.gov.au . The Plan has been developed in the context of increasing financial pressures across the local government sector . In response , Council has taken a disciplined and measured approach , focusing on core responsibilities , essential services and the careful stewardship of community assets . All capital projects deemed non - essential or discretionary have been excluded from the 2026/27 DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget . These include Whitton Museum major repairs and the detailed design for the Leeton Sports Precinct and Gogeldrie Weir Cabins , as well as Electronic Signage at Town Entrance Ways and the Development of a Masterplan for Lake Paddock . Most will be moved into an aspirational scenario in the u the upcoming LTFP ( Long- Term Financial Plan ) instead . The Social Housing project for Yanco has been delayed by one year . Council will also consider pursuing a Special Variation in the first six months of 2026/27 , with support from Professor Joseph Drew . The DRAFT LTFP and DRAFT SAMP ( Strategic Asset Management Plan ) will be finalised midyear and will be released for consultation then . Key capital priorities for the 2026/27 year include the maintenance and renewal of roads , buildings and critical infrastructure , along with the responsible management of Council's significant asset base and a new dog park for Leeton . If a major matching grant is forthcoming . Council will follow through on plans to install enabling infrastructure at the former Brobenah Rd Caravan Park / dog park to facilitate an affordable housing development . Decision - making will continue to be informed by evidence , affordability and long - term sustainability , ensuring services can be delivered now and into the future . The DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget also supports continued investment in facilities and services that contribute to community wellbeing including open spaces , recreation , cultural assets and environmental initiatives where these can be delivered within Council's financial capacity or supported through external funding . Advocacy remains an important part of Council's role . We will continue to represent the interests of the Leeton Shire community to other levels of government on matters such as water security , housing , health services , fu s , funding for priority infrastructure and increased government investment in local councils in general . This 2026/27 DRAFT Operational Plan and Budget reflects Council's ongoing commitment to good governance , transparency and accountability . Progress against the Plan will be monitored and reported throughout the year . We acknowledge the contribution of Cou of Councillors , rs , staff , community groups and volunteers who all support the delivery of services across the Shire . Council maintains our commitment to see these groups appropriately trained and supported to stand us in good stead now and into the future . By working together we will continue to maintain service excellence ( as recognised recently by the Bluett Award ) , while simultaneously delivering continual improvement and financial sustainability . Cr George Weston Mrs Jackie Kruger Mayor General Manager FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS IF THIS PLAN IS ADOPTED A Rate Peg of 2.7 % has been set for Leeton Shire Council by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal ( PART ) . This figure has been applied to Council's General Rates . While this means that Council's total General Rates Income increase is capped at 2.7 % , it does not necessarily mean that any individual rates obligation will increase by 2.7 % - some may be less , some may be more . Overall Council's 2026/27 Budget forecasts an operating deficit of $ 938x excluding Capital Grants Income . If Capital Grants Income is included . the result is a surplus of $ 2.5M . The General Fund ( excl . Domestic Waste Management ) has a forecast operating deficit of $ 3.02M excluding Capital Grants Income ( $ 222K surplus including Capital Grants Income ) . Council's Water , Domestic Waste and Sewer funds are forecast to make operating surpluses which will be reserved for upcoming capital projects . The budget has been built on the premise that existing services will be maintained with overall expenditure increased by 2 % . Employee costs will rise with the indicative award increase of 4.5 % OPERATING BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Consolidated CAPITAL BUDGET General Fund Domestic Waste Fund Sewer 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 working capital Consider opportunities to increase revenue including a possible Special Variation in consultation with the community : Identify efficiencies and reprioritisation of services to a financially sustainable level in consultation with the community . We forecast receiving a $ 2.66M capital grant for the Brobenah Road Housing project , being part of the 2026/27 capital works program . Projects deemed non - essential or discretionary have been removed from the Budget . A full list can be found on Council's online engagement portal at https://haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au BUDGET SUMMARY 2026/27 5,861 1,354 PROPOSED CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM 2026/27 VALUED AT $ 15.22M Internal Restriction External Restriction Fund Project ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Gogeldre We Riverside Park Fence Repair tie Wet Riverside Park Sewer and Water Pipe Replacement Brobenah Road Affordable Housing Project Eventide Homes Renewal $ 2,661,081 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND EMERGENCY SERVICES ( INCLUDING WASTE ) Leeton Land & Recycling Centre - Rewing Weighbridge and Boom Gates Leeton Land & Recycling Centre - Decommissioning of Grease Traps Ponds Public Litter Bin Replacement ( CBD ) GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION $ 110,000 $ 96,000 $ 917,663 $ 30,000 $ 10,000 KEY CHANGES TO FEES & CHARGES Fees and charges have increased by 6 % on average 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 which are part of the Revenue Policy . Charge Increase 15 % Waste Charges - Annual $ 236.212 Water Charges Annual & Uhoge 5 % $ 95,000 $ 270,000 Sewerage Charges Annual & Usage 7 % $ 1,088,000 Yanco Land Remediation INCOME ( SK ) EXPENSE ( SK ) RESULT ( SK ) RESULT EX CAPITAL ( SK ) Building Renewals 29,445 222 13,026 ) 4445 7.214 1,248 4325 Leeton Museum and Art Gallery HVAC , Kitchen and Office Fitout Leeton Visitor Information Centre Upgrade - Restumping Plant & Vehicle Replacement 45.650 43.145 2,505 ( 938 ) GRANTS AND EXTERNAL RESTRICTIONS ( SK ) RATES AND INTERNAL RESTRICTIONS ( SK ) TOTAL INVESTMENT ( SK ) 5,148 5,225 10,373 PC Replacements - Annual Computer Fleet Replacement Corporate Information Systems Annual Allocation Network Infrastructure 1,194 1.194 1,450 1,450 MUSEUM , ARTS AND CULTURAL SERVICES 2,200 2,200 Whitton Museum Renewals ( including Courthouse ) $ 100,000 9.992 15.217 PARKS , STREETSCAPES AND SPORTING FACILITIES Mountford Park Playground Upgrade $ 20,000 New Off Leash Dog Park Flood Lights - Ovals $ 135,000 $ 180.000 $ 100,000 $ 135,000 $ 150,000 How Council will get its income in 2026/27 How Council will spend its income in 2026/27 by Expenditure Type Other Expenses and Investment Income Net Goin Rates and Grand Anal Charges 24 % Al Drowning Tool - Leeton Regional Aquatic Centre Cemetery Expansion Renewal of Council Tollet Blocks , Change Rooms , BBQ Areas and Shelters $ 140,000 $ 180,00 $ 50,000 $ 10,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 HAVE YOUR SAY YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT TO COUNCIL View the full DRAFT 25-29 Delivery Program and 26/27 Operational Plan , Budget and Revenue Policy ( including Fees and Charges ) 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 . Minor Renewals of the Whitton Pool Depreciation ROADS & DRAINAGE Footpath Renewall Employee New Footpaths Annual Reseal Program - Sealed Rural and Urban Roads Gravel Road Resheeting Kerb & Gutter Renewal $ 100,000 $ 80,000 Regional Block Grant Whitton Darlington Point Road JMR539 ) Roads to Recovery Program $ 170,00 $ 1,247,142 Sealed Road Rehabilitation Program $ 700,000 Bridge Renewals Materials and How Council will spend its income in 2026/27 by Service Area Community Services and Community Development 8 % Museum , Arts and Cultural Services 4 % Environmental Sustainability and Emergency Services 9 % Governance and Administration 16 % Parks , Streetscapes Water and Sewer Services 24 % Roads and Drainage Economic Development 8 % Planning , Building and Public Health Income and Expenditure by Community Strategic Plan Theme Local Road Heavy Patching Shoulder Widening General Rural and Urban Stormwater Drainage ( Upgrade or New ) $ 160,00 $ 60,000 $ 150,000 $ 100,000 $ 90.00 Stormwater Management Service Charge Projects ( Upgrade or New ) Stormwater Renewals Leeton Flood Risk Management Study and Plan Review Bus Shelter Upgrades Traffic Faces Committee Works SEWER Sewage Pumping Stations Overhauls $ 250,000 Pump Station No 1 Upgrade $ 100,00 Pump Station No 13 Upgrade $ 210,00 Ceton Sewerage Treatment Plant - New Septic Tank Waste Receival facility in Sedimentato Fonds $ 1,400,000 Leeton Sewerage Treatment Plant - Pond Bank Replacement $ 300,000 Leeton Sewerage Treatment Plant - Replacement of the EAT Plant Processor WATER $ 40,000 Ongoing Installation of Town Supply Metering to SMART Meters Water Mains - Renewal Telemetry Upgrades Leeton Filtration Plant - Soda Ash System Upgrade Leeton Filtration Plant - Sedimentation Tank Refurbishments Yanco Reservoir Investigation Fencing Parkview & Wattle Hill Reservoirs Leeton Raw Water Dam Fencing $ 20,000 $ 500,000 $ 50,000 $ 550,000 $ 150,000 $ 100,000 $ 20,00 $ 20,000 Scan the QR code and complete the survey ! SUBMISSIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY COUNCIL BY 5PM , THURSDAY , 28 MAY 2026 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 Tuesday , 9 June 2026 . 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 @leetonshirecouncil