Glen Innes Severn Council has adopted its 2026–27 Operational Plan and Budget, along with its 10-year Long Term Financial Plan, setting the work program for the year ahead across infrastructure, community facilities, events and local planning.
The Operational Plan is Council’s one-year action plan and outlines the specific services, projects and activities to be delivered during 2026–27.
General Manager Bernard Smith said the focus is now on delivery.
“This plan is about getting on with the work that matters most over the next 12 months. It gives Council a clear program for delivery across roads, water, sewer, community facilities and the key projects we’ve committed to, while keeping a strong focus on financial discipline and doing the job properly,” Mr Smith said.
Major items in the 2026–27 budget include $2.078 million for the Roads to Recovery gravel re-sheeting program, $490,000 for Wellington Vale Road rehabilitation, $1.1725 million for water capital renewal and $680,000 for sewer capital renewal.
Council will also commission the SCADA system at the Glen Innes Water Treatment Plant by 31 March 2027, improving the way a critical local service is monitored and managed.
Other actions for the year ahead include delivery of the School of Arts and Music pilot program, development of a NAIDOC Week Partnership and Engagement Program, a new Arts and Cultural Plan, a Youth Booth scoping study, and planning for major events including the 2027 Australian Celtic Festival, Minerama and Christmas in the Highlands.
This plan keeps Council moving on the work that will strengthen Glen Innes Severn now and into the future.
That includes the Glen Innes Highlands Precincts and Village Activation Framework and Strategy, which will help guide future improvements in towns and villages across the region, and the Local Environmental Plan review, which supports future housing and development opportunities.
It also progresses actions under the Glen Innes Highlands Economic Development Strategy and Destination Management Plan 2026–2030 to support local business, attract visitors and investment, and build the region’s profile through the GeoRegion and its longer-term UNESCO Global Geopark aspiration.
Mayor Margot Davis said the adopted budget is about backing the things that matter most to communities across the region.
“This year’s budget backs real work across the region. It includes investment in the infrastructure and community facilities people rely on, and it keeps momentum on the projects and planning that support liveability, growth and opportunity across Glen Innes Severn,” Cr Davis said.
The Long Term Financial Plan adopted by Council also incorporates the approved Special Rate Variation, which allows Council’s general income to increase by 48.3 per cent over three years, including 21.5 per cent in 2026–27.
Cr Davis said the SRV sits within the broader financial framework needed to support Council’s work.
“The Long Term Financial Plan, including the approved SRV, gives Council the framework to keep moving on priority work while continuing to strengthen our financial position. The focus now is on using that framework responsibly to maintain services, support infrastructure renewal and improve long-term sustainability,” Cr Davis said
Mayor Davis said the priority now is to make the most of the year ahead.
“The important thing now is what happens next. This year’s plan is about delivering priority projects, maintaining services and continuing to build a stronger future for our towns, villages and wider region, while also building a pipeline of projects and setting the next Council up for success,” Mayor Davis said.
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
