Temora Shire Council is inviting the community to help shape Temora Shire’s Future and has endorsed the public exhibition of its Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026/27 to 2036/37. As a part of this process and in the interests of transparency the community is invited to have a say on four potential financial scenarios, including the possible use of a Special Rate Variation (SRV). At its ordinary meeting on 16 July, Council resolved to commence formal community consultation on the Draft Long Term Financial Plan and supporting Special Rate Variation options before making any decision on whether to apply to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a permanent SRV. Council also noted the Special Rate Variation Background Paper and the independently prepared Capacity to Pay Report. The Draft Long Term Financial Plan outlines council's projected financial position over the next decade and presents four financial scenarios that respond to increasing financial pressures, including rising costs, ageing infrastructure, growing regulatory obligations and the constraints of annual rate pegging. The modelling shows that under the current funding model, Council faces an average operating deficit of approximately $5.4 million per year over the next ten years, despite significant efficiency improvements already being implemented. Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman said council had reached an important milestone in its Financial Sustainability Program but stressed that no decision had been made regarding an SRV. "This consultation is about having an open and fair dinkum conversation with our shire community about the financial challenges facing Council and the options available to address them,” Cr Firman said. "Council has not decided to apply for a Special Rate Variation. Before any decision is made, we want to hear directly from our shire community about the options presented in the Draft Long Term Financial Plan." The four scenarios include: - Base Case: continuing with annual rate peg increases only - Scenario A: Stabilise finances with some service reductions (Council's preferred scenario) - Scenario B: Stabilise finances and maintain services - Scenario C: Protect services and assets Each scenario represents a different balance between rates, service levels and investment in community infrastructure. Scenario A is Council's preferred option because it seeks to improve long term financial sustainability while limiting the overall increase in rates through targeted service reductions informed by earlier community feedback. Cr Firman said the community's views would play an important role in council's future decision making. "There is no easy solution. Every option involves trade-offs between affordability, the services we provide and the infrastructure we maintain. “That's why it's so important that our community take the time to understand the options and tell us what matters most to them." “Councillors and senior staff have been and will continue to work very hard to find appropriate cost saving measures, without compromising our basic services and facilities. “However, we need our community’s help to give us genuine feedback to help inform what we do to address the serious financial situation rural Councils are in.” As part of the consultation, Council has also released an independent Capacity to Pay Report, prepared by Morrison Low Advisory, which assesses the likely impact of the proposed scenarios across different parts of the community. The report found that while the shire generally demonstrates a stable overall capacity to pay, some communities, particularly within Temora township and Ariah Park, may experience greater financial vulnerability and should be carefully considered in council's decision making. Community Consultation The formal consultation period is now underway and will continue until Friday, 28 August. Residents are encouraged to: - Read the Draft Long Term Financial Plan - Explore the proposed financial scenarios - Attend a community information session - Complete the online survey (opens 3rd August) - Make a written submission Council representatives will also be available at a series of community drop-in sessions where residents can ask questions and discuss the options in person. Community Drop-In Sessions: Temora - 31 July: 8am to 4pm at the Fed and Bed, 173 Hoskins Street Springdale - 4 August: 4pm to 5pm at Springdale Hall
