Financial Strategy

Q3 · Minor Disruption · January to March 2026 · latest

As reported over the previous six months, internal resources have been prioritised toward finalising Council’s 2024–25 financial statements and addressing key strategic risks identified by the Audit and Risk Committee, including the implementation of EFTsure. Development of the Long-Term Financial Strategy is progressing in parallel with formulation of the 2026–27 Budget. An initial draft of the Strategy is under development, with work currently focused on reviewing the maturity and alignment of Council’s asset management plans. These plans are critical inputs to the Long-Term Financial Strategy, as they underpin the modelling of both operational and capital program requirements over the planning horizon. As part of the 2026–27 Budget process, the profiles of operational and capital programs are being reviewed and refined. These activities represent key dependencies for finalising the Long-Term Financial Strategy.

Q2 · Minor Disruption · October to December 2025

As of June 30, 2025, the Strategic Land Review has been successfully completed. The Funding and Revenue Diversification Strategy is still in its early development stages. Both this strategy and the updating of asset management plans are crucial for finalising the Long-Term Financial Strategy. Currently, the Long-Term Financial Strategy is approximately 45% complete. Progress in the past year has been hindered by resourcing constraints, the resignation of key officers, and competing priorities related to the development of the 2025- 26 Budget. Over the last six months, internal resources have been reallocated to finalise Council’s financial statements for the 2024-25 financial year, and to address strategic risks as directed by the Audit and Risk Committee, including the implementation of EFTsure. An initial draft of the Long-Term Financial Strategy will be prepared to inform the development of the 2026-27 Budget.

Q1 · Minor Disruption · July to September 2025

As reported at 30 June 2025, the Strategic Land Review is complete. The Funding and Revenue Diversification Strategy remains in the initial stages of development. The long-term Financial Strategy is approximately 40% complete. An initial draft of the Long-Term Financial Strategy will be in place to inform the development of the 2026-27 Budget. The Funding and Revenue Diversification Strategy and the updating of asset management plans remain as key dependencies to the completion of the Long-Term Financial Strategy. Progress on this initiative has been delayed due to resourcing constraints, the resignation of key officers and competing priorities in relation to the development of the 2025-26 Budget and the completion of Council’s financial statements for the 2024-25 financial year.