Glen Innes Severn Council’s 2025–26 Operational Plan and Budget is in effect which outlines what Council will deliver over the next 12 months, including key projects, everyday services and updates to fees and charges.
The focus this financial year is on maintaining local roads and infrastructure, delivering essential services and planning for a sustainable future. These actions follow the Community Strategic Plan 2025-2035 which outlines the community’s aspirations and the Delivery Plan 2025-2029, which indicates what Council will do to achieve those aspirations.
Mayor Margot Davis said the 2025–2026 Operational Plan and Budget reaffirm Council’s commitment to delivering essential services, maintaining core infrastructure and advancing the priorities set out in the four-year Delivery Program, which indicated what Council will do and were shaped by community consultation.
“This Plan reflects disciplined operational actions aligned with strategic decision-making. In a constrained financial environment, it’s vital that we remain focused on cost efficiency, service quality and strengthening the systems and processes that underpin a high-performing, community-focused organisation.”
“We are not just managing for today—we’re building the operational foundation and strategic momentum needed to serve our community as we commence the Delivery Program for this term of Council,” said Cr Davis.
In 2025-2026, Council will invest $2.3 million of grant funds from the Roads to Recovery and Regional Roads Block Grant programs to repair our roads. In addition, $2 million of Council funds is allocated for patching and maintenance of roads, footpaths and bridges in regional and urban areas.
Council will also invest $200,000 for kerb and gutter renewals, and $100,000 for continued improvements and investment to the CCTV network. Water network upgrades will receive $991,000 including an extensive mains replacement program incorporating parts of Bourke Street in Glen Innes.
$150,000 will go towards drainage improvements to protect Council infrastructure. Council will be borrowing $2 million for the purchase of land and initial works needed to relocate its offices, as part of a larger $6 million project which will address chronic office accommodation issues. Upgrades to the ANZAC Park playground will be supported by $1.2 million.
In 2025-2026, Council’s total operating income, including capital grants and contributions is over $50 million. Of this, over $41 million is operating expenditure covering infrastructure maintenance, delivery of community and regulatory services and the corporate costs associated with managing a large and complex — such as staff salaries, insurance and IT systems. There is also over $9 million in capital expenditure, which will support the development of new infrastructure and significantly upgrade existing infrastructure.
The 2025–26 budget shows an operating deficit of $4.7 million. Council will maintain a sharp focus on minimising operational costs, noting that $1 million in savings was achieved in the previous financial year. Council will apply the maximum allowable rate cap of 4.4 per cent for 2025-26, however this increase falls a long way short of improving Council’s financial sustainability.
General Manager Bernard Smith said, “As always, there is strong focus on maintaining local infrastructure and ensuring the continued delivery of essential services that support the day-to-day functioning of our community. At the same time, the Operational Plan highlights the broader role Council plays in supporting liveability and wellbeing through services such as libraries, Life Choices, and Children and Family Services. These are vital to the social fabric of our community,” he said.
Mr Smith said the 2025–2026 Operational Plan also lays important groundwork for the future.
“One of Council’s most critical responsibilities is to plan for the long term. This year’s Plan includes the preparation of key masterplans and strategies for priority locations, which will help position us for future grant funding and guide sustainable development across Glen Innes Severn,” he said.
“This includes the development and delivery of a Precincts and Activations Framework and Strategy for our rural villages—an important step toward ensuring these communities are supported to grow, thrive and attract investment.”
Mr Smith also emphasised Council’s strong focus on internal capability, governance and accountability. “We are implementing the Business Systems Improvement Roadmap, endorsed by Council, to modernise our systems and improve service delivery.”
“As part of our broader commitment to continuous improvement, we are developing and delivering Council’s Elevate 360 Business Improvement Plan. This initiative supports a strong workforce culture, delivers operational efficiencies and reduces costs—ensuring we remain responsive to community needs while maintaining financial sustainability,” he said.
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
