Temora Shire Council has received an update on the implementation of its Organisational Efficiency and Productivity Gains Improvement Plan at its June Ordinary council meeting, with further savings and service efficiencies being delivered across a range of council operations. Endorsed at the 20 November 2025 council meeting, The Plan outlines a series of initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing costs and supporting Council’s long-term financial sustainability. The full Plan is available on Council’s Financial Sustainability page. Since implementation, Council has completed 11 initiatives, delivering $83,500 in savings and generating $83,500 in additional revenue from 1 July. This includes $41,000 allocated to the Domestic Waste Fund, helping support the ongoing cost of waste services. Completed initiatives include a range of operational changes such as adjustments to service levels for street sweeping and footpath cleaning (delivering ongoing savings of around $20,000), a review of operating arrangements at council facilities including the Visitor Information Centre and Rural Museum (around $25,000 in ongoing savings), and updates to council policies such as motor vehicle arrangements (around $6,500 in additional revenue). A further 16 initiatives are currently underway or in progress. During discussion of the report, councillors acknowledged the significant work being undertaken by staff to identify practical improvements across the organisation and welcomed progress already achieved under the Plan. Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman thanked councillors and staff for their ongoing commitment. "We are very grateful for the work that has been done to date. Like many rural, regional and remote councils, we're operating in a challenging environment, but the work Councillors and Staff are doing to improve our organisation’s position is appreciated," Cr Firman said. "These changes are part of council’s focus on making sure we are operating as efficiently as possible while still delivering the services our shire community relies on. “Sometimes that means adjusting how services are delivered, sometimes it means reviewing and improving our operations — but the goal is always the same: ensuring we remain financially sustainable and are able to continue delivering the services that our shire community relies on, as well as those that make Temora Shire a great place to live, now and into the future." The meeting also heard a positive update on council's Service NSW Agency, with general manager Melissa Boxall advising that negotiations on a revised funding model are progressing positively. If finalised as anticipated, the new fee structure is expected to fully cover Council's costs, meaning there may no longer be a need to reduce the agency's operating hours as previously considered. Councillor Belinda Bushell welcomed the update and encouraged residents to complete eligible Service NSW transactions through Council's Customer Service Centre wherever possible, noting increased local transactions would help support the ongoing viability of the service. Deputy Mayor councillor Graham Sinclair sought clarification on the proposal to replace council's phone system with a cloud-based network. Director of Finance and Governance Elizabeth Smith advised that several options are currently being assessed, with funding allocated in the 2026/27 budget to progress the project. Council will be kept informed as the evaluation continues. Councillor Paul Mahon highlighted opportunities to further reduce administration, printing and postage costs by increasing the use of electronic meeting papers for councillors, with council confirming that digital-only meeting documentation is already available for any councillor wishing to transition. Cr Firman said he was proud of the willingness shown by councillors and staff to explore both efficiency improvements and opportunities to strengthen council's revenue. "I'm proud of councillors and staff for looking at everything that's reasonable to rein in spending and look at other income measures." The Organisational Efficiency and Productivity Gains Improvement Plan was developed following independent analysis and stakeholder engagement by Morrison Low, in line with Council’s broader work under Our Plan for the Future to support long-term financial sustainability. Council will continue to progress the remaining initiatives over the coming months, with a further update to be provided in the second quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. Temora Shire Council
