Moama water treatment plant dosing upgrade will cost Murray River Council $3.02 million.
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Riverine Herald
Murray River Council officially adopted its 2026-27 operational plan, including the annual budget, revenue policy and schedule of fees and charges.
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The budget projects an operating revenue of $78.18 million and operating expenses of $74.46 million.
However, council’s total revenue includes $9.51 million in government grants, which can only be used for specific purposes, resulting in an estimated operating deficit of $5.79 million for the financial year.
Mayor John Harvie said the plan provides a clear roadmap for the year ahead.
“The operational plan sets out the projects, services and initiatives council will deliver over the next 12 months and reflects our commitment to maintaining and renewing community assets while continuing to invest in priority projects,” he said.
The 2026-27 capital works program totals $30.73 million, with $14.95 million allocated to renewing ageing assets, $10.72 million to upgrading existing infrastructure, and $5.05 million to new projects.
Works will span roads, water and sewer infrastructure, flood protection, landfill rehabilitation and fleet renewal.
Key projects also include:
Moama water treatment plant dosing upgrade - $3.02m
Kyalite Rd widening - $2.5m
Maude Rd upgrade - $1.1m
Landfill rehabilitation works - $2.2m
Barham sewer pump station works - $802k
Moulamein levees and flood protection systems - $740k
Nancurrie Rd north resheeting - $1m
Heavy fleet replacement - $2.52m
Of the total capital program, $21.83 million will be funded internally, with $8.90 million sourced from capital grants and external contributions.
Murray River Council Mayor John Harvie.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW, Sienna Brennan
The plan was adopted at council’s most recent meeting following a 28-day public exhibition period, during which two submissions were received.
One submission, from the NSW Farmers Association Bunnaloo branch, raised concerns about the ad valorem rate on farmland.
The group noted the difference between residential and farmland rates in comparable councils and suggested a minimum differential of about 62 per cent based on comparisons.
The matter could not be addressed within the required timeframe for finalising rates, however council resolved to revisit the matter as part of the 2027-28 rating review, including modelling, benchmarking and community consultation.
Cr Harvie said support was available for ratepayers experiencing financial difficulty.
“The community is also reminded that Council has a Rates and Hardship Policy, which can be utilised by any ratepayers who are finding it difficult to make their payments by the due dates,” he said.
The budget includes a 3.2 per cent increase in general rate revenue, in line with the rate cap set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal.
Rates for 2026-27 are based on land valuations issued by the NSW Valuer General in early 2025.
The adopted operational plan, budget, revenue policy and fees and charges will take effect from July 1 and are available on council’s website.
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