Inverell Shire Council has released its 2024–2025 Annual Report, outlining a year marked by steady financial performance, substantial capital works and a continued focus on maintaining essential services across the region. The report, which was endorsed by Council on December 2, forms a key part of Council’s statutory reporting requirements, highlights the outcomes of the past financial year while also positioning the organisation for the start of its new long-term planning cycle.
The 2024–2025 financial statements show a net operating result of $8.346 million, representing a stable position despite rising operational costs and ongoing pressure on materials and fuel. After accounting for transfers to and from restricted reserves, the General, Water and Sewer Funds each reported modest cash surpluses. Council’s portfolio of community assets and equities is now valued at more than $1.07 billion, reflecting the scale of infrastructure that must be maintained, renewed and delivered across the Shire.
In a statement written for the Report, Mayor Kate Dight said, “I am proud to report that, despite ongoing global economic pressures, Council successfully maintained and, in some areas, enhanced service levels. This was achieved through careful review and consolidation of programs.”
“We recognise that as our community grows, so too does the challenge of sustaining service levels. While our budget increases each year, the complexity of meeting community needs remains a constant.”
“Council remains firmly focused on supporting the growth of the Shire, ensuring it continues to thrive as a vibrant, resilient, and self-sustaining community. Our strategies and objectives are aligned with this vision and will guide us into the future.”
A total of $32.499 million was invested in capital works during the year. This included the renewal of roads, bridges and drainage systems, upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, and improvements to community buildings, parks and public spaces. Significant progress was also reported on the redevelopment of the Inverell Aquatic Centre, which has been a major multiyear project. Council notes that its emphasis throughout the year remained on renewing existing assets to maintain service levels and reduce long-term costs, rather than committing to large-scale expansions.
The Annual Report also confirms that Council met its commitment to maintain all essential services at existing levels without budget reductions during the reporting period. Roads continued to receive the most significant share of the operational and capital budgets, with more than $14 million allocated to rural and urban road maintenance and renewal programs. Water, sewer and community facilities also underwent scheduled improvements, guided by asset condition assessments and long-term management plans.
In addition to reviewing the past year, Inverell Shire Council has now entered a new planning cycle following the formal adoption of the 2025–2035 Community Strategic Plan, the 2025–2029 Delivery Program and the 2025–2026 Operational Plan and Budget. These documents, mandated under the NSW Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, set out the long-term vision for the Shire, the commitments Council intends to meet over the next four years, and the actions and resources required in the coming year.
The 2025–2026 Operational Plan outlines further investment in essential infrastructure. Planned expenditure includes upgrades and renewals within the Water and Sewer Funds and a substantial program to replace and modernise plant and equipment used across Council operations. The focus for the upcoming year remains on reinforcing the existing network of assets, with renewal projects prioritised according to asset condition, risk assessments and community service standards.
Financial sustainability is a recurring theme across Council’s forward planning documents. The 2025–2035 Long-Term Financial Plan projects that the organisation will remain in a stable financial position across the next decade, assuming economic conditions remain consistent. No new borrowings are proposed for the 2025–2026 financial year. Instead, annual surpluses across Council’s funds will be directed into internally restricted reserves to support future capital investment. The Long-Term Financial Plan will continue to be reviewed each year, allowing Council to adjust to changes in cost pressures, infrastructure needs or revenue forecasts.
The updated Asset Management Strategy provides the foundation for ongoing infrastructure decisions, detailing the condition, expected lifecycle and renewal requirements for roads, buildings, water and sewer networks, and other public assets. Council indicates that this strategic approach ensures long-term prioritisation is based on evidence rather than short-term demand. It also allows works to be scheduled in a manner that minimises risk and manages whole-of-life costs for major infrastructure.
For residents, the combined effect of the past year’s activity and the newly endorsed planning documents is expected to be seen in the continued strengthening of core services. Water and sewer upgrades will proceed, road renewal programs will continue across both urban and rural areas, and plant and equipment improvements are expected to support more reliable operational delivery. The structured approach of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework also provides clearer transparency, with progress to be reported annually against each of the adopted plans.
Taken together, the 2024–2025 Annual Report and the new 2025–2035 planning documents signal a period of consolidation, careful financial stewardship and continued infrastructure renewal for the Inverell Shire. With major strategic frameworks now in place, Council enters the next financial year with a defined set of priorities and a long-term roadmap designed to guide the region’s development over the coming decade.
To read the report in full, visit the Inverell Shire Council website.
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