Leeton Shire Council has placed a suite of key strategic and financial documents on public exhibition following endorsement at its April Ordinary Meeting, with community feedback now invited.

The documents include:

  • Draft Delivery Program 2025–2029 and Operational Plan 2026/27
  • Draft Annual Budget Statement 2026/27
  • Draft Revenue Policy 2026/27
  • Draft Fees and Charges 2026/27

Together, they outline the actions Council will take over the coming year to deliver on the Community Strategic Plan, Leeton On The Go Towards 2035, in a financially responsible and sustainable way.

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
  • Detailed Design for the Leeton Sports Precinct and Gogeldrie Weir Cabins
  • Electronic Signage at Town Entrance Ways
  • Development of a Masterplan for Lake Paddock

Most will be moved into an aspirational scenario in the upcoming LTFP (Long-Term Financial Plan) instead. The Social Housing project for Yanco has been delayed by one year.

Capital projects for 2026/27 include road and infrastructure renewal, asset maintenance, and delivery of a new dog park. Provision has also been re-confirmed to progress enabling infrastructure for a potential affordable housing development at the former Brobenah Rd caravan site / dog park, subject to grant funding.

Fees and charges have increased by 6% on average, with Waste Annual Charges at 15%, Water Charges at 5% and Sewerage Charges at 7%.

Council is also considering longer-term financial sustainability measures, including a possible Special Variation. Professor Joseph Drew has been engaged to support this work and community consultation will occur in the first half of 2026/27.

The Draft Long-Term Financial Plan and Strategic Asset Management Plan will be finalised mid-year and released for further community consultation then.

Have your say

The Draft documents are available on Council’s website and via the ‘Have Your Say’ portal, with hard copies also accessible at the Council Administration Office, Leeton Shire Library, Yanco Shop, and Whitton and Murrami Post Offices.

Anyone wanting to provide feedback to Council can do so by: