Council Adopts 2026-27 Budget and Long-Term Financial Plan
Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted its 2026-27 Operational Plan and Budget, confirming the first stage of a permanent Special Rate Variation approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
The budget includes a 21.5% increase in general income for 2026-27 as part of a cumulative 48.3% rate variation to be implemented over three years. Council voted 4-2 to adopt the budget and associated Rating and Revenue Policy after rejecting an alternative proposal that sought to spread the increase over ten years.
Council also adopted its revised Long-Term Financial Plan 2026-2036. An amendment supported by the majority of councillors will require future reviews to investigate opportunities to improve Council’s financial performance and potentially bring forward the projected return to an operating surplus from 2029-30 to 2028-29.
A Mayoral Minute calling for a comprehensive report on Council’s financial sustainability program was adopted 4-2. The report, due in September, will outline key organisational improvement initiatives, resource requirements, risks and implementation timelines associated with Council’s long-term financial strategy.
Council also endorsed the maximum annual fees set by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal, increasing councillor fees to $14,450 and the mayoral fee to $31,510. A proposal to retain fees at current levels was defeated 4-2.
Several policy documents were approved for public exhibition, including a Draft Risk Management Policy and Risk Appetite Statement and a Draft Public Safety and Asset Protection CCTV Strategy. Community feedback on both documents will be accepted during a 28-day exhibition period ending 20 July 2026.
In other business, Council accepted an expression of interest from current operator Elizabeth Walmsley to continue operating the Town Hall Coffee Shop. The General Manager has been authorised to negotiate a new three-year lease with an option for a further three years.
During the confidential section of the meeting, Council approved financing of approximately $985,000 for the replacement of several items of plant and equipment, including trucks and a quarry loader, through a five-year National Australia Bank equipment loan.
The meeting concluded at 10.35am.
