Inverell Shire Council has adopted its Draft Annual Budget for the 2025–26 financial year, reaffirming its commitment to delivering core services while managing ongoing financial challenges and planning for the future.
No public submissions were received on the draft budget during the exhibition period, and the budget was adopted at the June Ordinary Council Meeting.
The $29 million operating budget outlines a prudent financial approach that balances service delivery, asset renewal, and infrastructure investment. Council has budgeted $24.5 million in operating expenses and $11.3 million for capital works.
Mayor Robert Bell said the budget maintains business-as-usual operations while addressing rising costs and resourcing requirements.
“We understand the importance of maintaining the services our residents rely on like our community services, our waste and water management facilities, our Library and the ongoing management of council assets. This budget allows us to keep delivering these essentials while continuing to invest in the upkeep of key community infrastructure.”
The capital works program totalling $11.33 million will be funded through a combination of capital grants, reserves, operational revenue, and unrestricted funds.
Planned works include culvert improvements at Terrible Vale and Rocky River, and design of the Maitland Street Roundabout. Road resurfacing and resealing will take place in areas including Bridge Street, urban Bundarra streets, and sections of Thunderbolts Way, Kingstown Road, and Pinegrove Road.
Rail crossing upgrades are scheduled for Thunderbolts Way, East Street, Eastern Avenue, Wollun Road, and surrounding areas. Water and sewer works include water main renewals, stormwater and biodiversity studies, SCADA system planning, and infrastructure investigations in Uralla and Bundarra Townships.
Council is also investing in upgrades to parks and sports facilities, with improvements planned for locations such as Pioneer Park, Alma Park, Racecourse Lagoon, and the Uralla Pool.
These projects have been prioritised based on condition, community need, and strategic alignment with Council’s long-term planning goals.
Council acknowledges the importance of community feedback and will continue to engage residents throughout the year on specific projects and service areas. The budget also ensures capacity for future opportunities and challenges, including inflation, workforce planning, and regulatory change.
“Council is focused on sound financial management and service reliability. We thank the community for their continued trust and look forward to delivering on the commitments outlined in this budget” Mayor Bell said
The budget will be uploaded to council’s website in the coming days, and a full list of the infrastructure works can be found here.
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