Ratepayers across the Inverell and Glen Innes Severn shires now have certainty over how their councils will spend money in the year ahead, with both adopting their 2026/27 budgets and long term financial plans this week.
Inverell Shire Council adopted its 2026/2027 Operational Plan and Budget, 2026/2036 Long Term Financial Plan and 2026/2027 Fees and Charges after the documents went through 28 days of public exhibition under the Local Government Act 1993. The exhibition period closed on 22 May, and no submissions were received.
The adopted budget shows a balanced position across Inverell’s General, Water and Sewer Funds. Council says it is operationally sound and continues all existing programs and services at current levels, with no service cuts. It also provides substantial funding for the ongoing Asset Management Program.
The budget was prepared using the full rate peg of 3.2 per cent approved by IPART, and includes continued support for Council’s Strategic Capital Infrastructure Fund.
Inverell Mayor Kate Dight said the documents give the council a clear platform for the year ahead.
“The adoption of Council’s Operational Plan and Budget, Long Term Financial Plan and Fees and Charges provide a clear and responsible framework for the 2026/2027 financial year,” Mayor Dight said.
“It ensures Council can continue delivering services, maintain infrastructure and planning for the future in a financially sustainable way.”
In Glen Innes Severn, the council’s budget reflects a different financial path, with its Long Term Financial Plan incorporating an approved Special Rate Variation that will lift general income by 48.3 per cent over three years, including a 21.5 per cent rise in 2026/27.
Major budget items include $2.078 million for the Roads to Recovery gravel resheeting program, $490,000 for Wellington Vale Road rehabilitation, $1.1725 million for water capital renewal and $680,000 for sewer capital renewal. Council will also commission the SCADA system at the Glen Innes Water Treatment Plant by 31 March 2027.
Other work planned for the year includes the School of Arts and Music pilot program, a NAIDOC Week Partnership and Engagement Program, a new Arts and Cultural Plan, a Youth Booth scoping study, and planning for the 2027 Australian Celtic Festival, Minerama and Christmas in the Highlands.
Glen Innes Severn General Manager Bernard Smith said the focus was now on delivery.
“This plan is about getting on with the work that matters most over the next 12 months,” Mr Smith said.
“It gives Council a clear program for delivery across roads, water, sewer, community facilities and the key projects we’ve committed to, while keeping a strong focus on financial discipline and doing the job properly.”
Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis said the budget backed the things that mattered most to the community.
“This year’s budget backs real work across the region,” Mayor Davis said. “It includes investment in the infrastructure and community facilities people rely on, and it keeps momentum on the projects and planning that support liveability, growth and opportunity across Glen Innes Severn.”
Mayor Davis said the Special Rate Variation sat within a broader financial framework.
“The Long Term Financial Plan, including the approved SRV, gives Council the framework to keep moving on priority work while continuing to strengthen our financial position,” Mayor Davis said.
“The focus now is on using that framework responsibly to maintain services, support infrastructure renewal and improve long-term sustainability.”
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