Temora Shire Council is continuing its work to address its long-term financial sustainability, with community feedback helping inform the next stage of planning. Following formal consultation on a proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV) between July and August, Council has been reviewing the feedback received alongside its financial position, long-term forecasts, asset management needs and opportunities to improve efficiency. A total of 659 unique participants took part in the consultation through council’s survey, a third-party survey, written submissions and other feedback channels. The feedback highlighted concerns about affordability and the proposed rate increases, including their size and permanent nature. Participants also raised questions about council’s expenditure, opportunities to improve efficiency, the protection of essential services and the potential impacts on households, businesses and farming families. Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman said the decisions made now would help shape the future of Temora Shire. “Councillors and staff are committed to ensuring Temora Shire stays strong and true for generations to come,” Cr Firman said. “We know the decisions we make today will shape our shire community’s future, and we want to make sure those decisions are informed, responsible and focused on the long-term interests of Temora Shire. “The feedback received through consultation is an important part of understanding community priorities as we work through the challenges ahead.” Responding to the feedback Council has considered the feedback received and is developing a substantially lower SRV proposal alongside further proposed savings and service reductions. These will form part of a revised scenario in the updated Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP). This work builds on the financial planning and review undertaken through Council’s Community Strategic Plan Our Plan for the Future, including updated financial forecasts, asset management requirements and opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity. Council’s draft 2025/26 Financial Statements, presented at the October Council meeting, reported an operating deficit of $661,000 for the year ended 30 June 2026, down from $3.5 million in the previous financial year. However, the reported result was affected by Council receiving its Financial Assistance Grants (FA Grants). In June 2026, Council received $4.4 million in grant funding early for the 2026/27 financial year. The previous year, Council had received $2.6 million early for 2025/26 in June 2025. When these advance payments are accounted for, the operating deficit for 2025/26 would be approximately $2.4 million. This gives a more comparable picture of Council’s financial position by accounting for the grant money received early in each year. While the reported deficit has reduced, the result needs to be considered alongside the timing of grant funding and council’s longer-term financial outlook. Council’s financial planning has confirmed that, while efficiencies and expenditure restraint remain important and will continue to be pursued, these measures alone are insufficient to address council’s longer-term financial sustainability challenges. “Councillors and staff have heard the concerns raised by various members of our Shire community and understand the importance of carefully considering the impact of any proposed changes,” Cr Firman said. “Council must consider this feedback alongside the financial information available to us and our responsibility to ensure Temora Shire remains financially sustainable now and into the future. “It is incumbent on us as councillors to carefully weigh up the various options available to us to make informed decisions that reflect the needs of our Shire community and secure Temora Shire’s future. “We love and cherish Temora Shire. “Several years ago now, council stood beside our Shire community to ensure we remained as a ‘stand-alone’ council. We came out on top, because we were in lock step. Council now need our community’s help, once again. I know Council will land in the right place to ensure Temora Shire is around for generations to come.” Keeping the community informed The revised Long-Term Financial Plan is expected to be made public on 6 November and will be considered by the Assets and Operations Committee on 10 November, ahead of the council meeting on 19 November. At its meeting on 19 November, council will consider two separate decisions: whether to endorse the revised Long-Term Financial Plan and whether to apply for a Special Rate Variation above the rate peg. Endorsing the plan does not commit council to applying for an SRV. Any proposed service changes will be subject to further consultation with affected staff, stakeholders and the community before they are finalised. Council will continue to keep the community informed as the process progresses. Temora Shire Council
