2026-27 Annual Budget and financial plans approved

Published on 25 June 2026

Nambucca Valley Council last night approved the 2026-27 Annual Budget and supporting documents setting up a balanced roadmap for infrastructure investment and service delivery for the coming year.  

Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee said there are some great projects happening for the community in 2026-27 and importantly it was being delivered without the need for borrowings for the fourth consecutive year.

“Nambucca Council has, for many years, operated in a fiscally responsible way and I’m grateful to decisions of both past and present Councillors for keeping budgets balanced and making strategic investments," he said.

"This is what has put us in a good position to be able to invest in our valley’s infrastructure and keep delivering a good level of services, even when the national and global economic circumstances are challenging.”

Nambucca Valley Council Acting General Manager David Moloney said community members had their chance to have their say on the draft budget from late April to 27 May 2026 and Council took their feedback on board.

“We know projects such as implementing the Bowraville Master Plan in stages and strengthening our water and sewerage network are important to our community,” he said.

“Over 2026-27, we have budgeted about $8 million for infrastructure services.

“There’s about $5m all up for road works, including grant funding, and our team are continuing to deliver our significant disaster recovery program works, through NSW Reconstruction Authority funding.

“Our team has worked hard to ensure it is a responsible budget, which has kept the rise to General Rates within the rate peg set by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal NSW of 3.5%.”  

Last night at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council, Councillors resolved to adopt the 2026-27 Annual Budget, Statement of Revenue Policy, Schedule of Fees & Charges and the 2026-2036 Long Term Financial Plan. You can visit Council’s website to either view a video recording of the meeting or read the draft meeting minutes available shortly here.

2026-27 budget overview

• Total estimated operating revenue is $62.16 million for the 2026-27 FY

• Operating expenditure - $56.11m. This results in an operating surplus of $6.05m, and an operating surplus before capital grants of $1.97m. From a cash perspective, the budget forecasts a small deficit of $157k for the 2026-27 FY

• Capital works program - $17.9m.

ALL MEDIA ENQUIRIES TO:

Mr David Moloney

ACTING GENERAL MANAGER  

02 6568 2555

DATE: 25 June 2026