Revised Draft Delivery Program 2025-29 and Operational Plan 2025-26

The Delivery Program (DP) is a four-year plan that outlines the strategic initiatives Council will undertake during its term to support the delivery of the Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035. Every commitment in the Delivery Program 2025-2029 is an identified action in strategies adopted by Council after extensive community consultation.

The Operational Plan (OP) details the projects, services and actions that will be undertaken in 2025-2026. It includes a detailed budget, statement of revenue policy and fees and charges for 2025-2026.

To reduce duplication, the draft Delivery program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan and Budget 2025-2026 are presented in one integrated document.   This will assist readers in understanding the steps that will be taken in the next financial year towards Councils four-year commitment.

The Community Strategic Plan is a ten-year plan that identifies the community’s main priorities and aspirations for the future, and strategies to achieve them.  

It sits at the top of Council’s strategic planning framework and informs all other key Council strategies and plans providing long-term direction for Council.   

We asked our community for feedback on the Community Strategic Plan between 12 March and 9 April 2025.  Council endorsed the Plan at its 28 April meeting.  

The Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 is now available to view on Council's website.

On 16th May 2025 the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) advised Council that it had not approved its application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV).  

Council had sought an increase of 45% in 2025/26 and 29% in 2026/27 to repair and strengthen Council’s financial position, maintain existing services, fund the renewal of ageing infrastructure, and deliver strategic priorities for the changing and growing population. 

This means that Council is unable to raise rates above the 4% rate peg increase. As a result, Council will operate at a deficit of $10m (excluding domestic waste management) during 2025-2026.

You can read more about IPART’s decision on their website including the final report.

Version 2 of the Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2025-2026 notes the new projects and initiative that have been deferred, and includes a significantly reduced infrastructure renewals program that focuses on assets in a very poor condition.  

As part of the updated financial repair strategy, consideration will also be given to: 

• Reducing services such as verge mowing, community transport, street sweeping, graffiti removal and parks and gardens maintenance. 

• Changing customer service levels as well as support given through contributions, grants, donations and precincts administration.  

• Investigating alternative income raising methods such as increased advertising and commercialisation of property and places, increased compliance activity, ticketed entry to New Years Eve, new or increased fees and charges for use of parks and open space, road closure and sale.  

In addition, Council will continue its efforts towards organisational improvement to improve productivity.

During the first half of 2025-26, Council will undertake comprehensive engagement with the community to inform new financial modelling.  This engagement will focus on understanding and aligning financial sustainability with community expectations across the following areas: 

• Expected levels of service delivery 

• Acceptable condition standards for infrastructure 

• Responsiveness to future needs through strategic initiatives 

• Community willingness to pay for these outcomes 

Additional information is available with the report presented to Council at its meeting 26 May 2025..

Everyone who submitted feedback during the 1-26 May consultation period will be contacted and invited to provide further feedback on the revised plan. All feedback from the first consultation period will also be included in the report to Council.

All submissions received will be considered and reported to Council in the preparation of the final documents. A summary of community feedback will be shared in June.