FAQs
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.
Expected levels of service delivery
Acceptable condition standards for infrastructure
Responsiveness to future needs through strategic initiatives
Community willingness to pay for these outcomes
What is the Delivery Program?
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.
What is the Operational Plan (OP)?
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.
Why has the Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Budget been combined?
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.
What is the Community Strategic Plan?
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.
What was the IPART decision?
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.
Why did IPART make this decision?
You can read more about IPART’s decision on their website including the final report.
Which projects and services are, or could be, impacted because of the IPART SRV refusal?
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:
In addition, Council will continue its efforts towards organisational improvement to improve productivity.
How does Council plan to address its financial position in the long-term?
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:
Additional information is available with the report presented to Council at its meeting 26 May 2025.
I provided feedback on the earlier version of the DPOP which opened for consultation on 1 May. What happens to my feedback?
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.
What will happen with my submission?
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.