Temora Shire Council has adopted its Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents, including the 2026/27 budget, setting the direction for the delivery of services, infrastructure and strategic priorities from 1 July. Adopted at the June ordinary council meeting, the documents include the Community Strategic Plan 2026–2036, Delivery Program 2026–2030 and Operational Plan, 2026/27 Fees and Charges and 2026/27 Budget. Together, they provide the framework for council's long-term planning, outlining the community's vision for the future and how council will work towards achieving it. Temora Shire Council mayor Rick Firman said the adopted budget reflected council's commitment to balancing the needs of the Temora Shire community today while taking responsible steps to strengthen its long-term financial sustainability. "Like many rural and regional councils across NSW, we continue to face significant financial challenges,” Cr Firman said. “While this year's Budget forecasts a deficit, we're not standing still - councillors and staff are taking practical steps to improve our long-term financial position while continuing to deliver the services and infrastructure our shire community relies on. Cr Firman said the budget complements council's ongoing work to improve organisational efficiency and reduce operating costs. "Over the past several months councillors and staff made a number of important decisions that demonstrate our genuine commitment to responsible financial management," he said. "Council recently resolved to reduce councillor fees and the mayoral allowance to the minimum amount payable for a rural council, delivering an estimated saving of around $32,000 each year. “While this alone won't solve our financial challenges, it reflects council's commitment to looking for savings within our own organisation and making responsible financial decisions across all of council’s operations." Cr Firman said Council's Organisational Efficiency and Productivity Gains Improvement Plan was also continuing to deliver measurable results. "Council already implemented dozens of initiatives that are delivering ongoing savings across the organisation. Every efficiency we identify helps reduce costs, improve the way we operate and ensure we can continue delivering quality services for our shire community.” Cr Firman said adopting the IP&R documents ensures council has a clear plan to guide decision-making and investment over the coming years. "These documents are more than just plans and budgets—they're our roadmap for delivering the services, infrastructure and projects our shire community values. They outline what we'll deliver, how we'll invest in our shire and how we'll responsibly manage public funds over the coming years." "Financial sustainability remains Council's highest priority. There is still work to do, however, councillors and staff remain committed to making informed decisions, finding efficiencies where we can and planning responsibly to ensure council is well placed to serve our Temora shire community both now and into the future." "Council remain committed to being open and transparent with our community. We'll continue to keep our residents informed about the decisions we're making, report on the progress we're achieving and provide regular updates as we work towards a financially sustainable future." “Councillors and Staff care deeply about our Temora Shire community and will continue to work hard to ensure our Council and community remain strong and true,” Cr Firman concluded. The adopted documents will take effect from 1 July and will guide council's operations, projects and service delivery throughout the 2026/27 financial year and beyond. Temora Shire Council
