The draft includes the council’s revenue policy, a draft schedule of fees and charges and the draft 2025-26 budget.
Mayor John Harvie said the budget was well balanced to cover all necessary areas.
“It’s a carefully considered budget that keeps us on the right path for this year,” he said.
“Asset maintenance and renewal, particularly on our transport network, account for the majority of the projected spend.
“We are confident this budget strikes a balance between focusing on our assets, fulfilling general levels of service and continuing delivery of some community projects.”
The plan outlines projects, services and initiatives that council proposes to deliver in the next financial year.
The proposed budget is based on a 5.3 per cent increase in general rate revenue, in line with the rate cap set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW.
Major areas of capital spend in the budget include:
- Regional road renewals: $3.7 million
- Moama water treatment plant upgrades: $2.5 million
- Unsealed road resheeting: $1.3 million
- Moama sewer treatment plant upgrades: $1.3 million
- Barham sewer treatment plant upgrades: $1.1 million
- Other asset replacements: $4 million
The draft budget estimates an operating revenue of $64.8 million and operating expenses of $68.8 million for the coming year — meaning an operating deficit of $3.93 million.
The plan also proposes a $34.6 million capital works program, with $23 million to come from internal resources and the remaining $11.6 million to be funded through capital grants and contributions.
Access and usage charges for water and sewer will also only see increases in line with a six per cent rate cap this year, due to full-cost recovery now being in place.
Council’s rates, charges and fees only make up around half of council’s total revenue to cover expenses.
Cr Harvie acknowledged ongoing financial pressures facing local government, including constrained revenue growth and declining federal support.
“At a time of continued high inflation and revenue-raising limitations, the impact of the reduction in the Commonwealth’s Financial Assistance Grant really comes into focus,” he said.
“On top of this, councils continue to face cost shifting from other levels of government. It’s unsustainable, and we’ll be continuing our advocacy in this space.”
Following the exhibition period, any submissions will be considered, and the final Operational Plan adopted at a council meeting to be held towards the end of June.
For any residents struggling to pay rates, council has a Rates and Hardship Policy, which can be utilised by any ratepayers.
Murray River Council’s draft budget documents are available for public comment until June 11, 2025, and can be viewed online at yoursay.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au
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