Ordinary Council - 18 May 2026 7:30pm

Topics

• Council adopts 2026/27 budget and long-term financial plan
  Council locked in its annual budget and updated decade-long financial plan, setting the financial course for services and projects.
  Budget decisions can affect rates, service levels and the timing of local works.
• Rates hardship policy updated
  Council approved a revised policy for rates collection and financial hardship support.
  The policy can affect how residents manage rates arrears and access support if they are struggling financially.

Decisions

• Updated Council Plan adopted
  Council adopted the updated Council Plan 2025-2029 (2026/27 update) under the Local Government Act 2020.
  Sets the council’s priorities and direction for services, projects and spending.
• Updated Financial Plan adopted
  Council adopted the updated Financial Plan 2026/27-2035/36.
  Shapes long-term financial planning and how council services and projects are funded.
• Annual Budget adopted
  Council adopted the Annual Budget 2026/27 as presented.
  Determines council spending, rates pressure and delivery of local services and works for the coming year.
• Rates Collection and Financial Hardship Policy updated
  Council adopted the revised Rates Collection and Financial Hardship Policy.
  Affects how rates are collected and what support is available for residents experiencing financial hardship.

Discussion

• Chief Executive Officer authorised to make immaterial changes
  Council authorised the CEO to make immaterial changes connected to the adopted planning and budget documents.
  Allows final formatting or minor corrections without changing the substance of the adopted plans.

Impacts

• The 2026/27 budget and long-term financial plan will guide council spending, service delivery and capital works.
• Residents experiencing difficulty paying rates may be affected by the updated financial hardship policy.
• The updated Council Plan will influence local priorities and service outcomes over the next four years.

Places

• Council area (municipality)
  Whole-of-council area affected by the adopted plan, budget and financial policy.

Next

• Implement the adopted 2026/27 Budget and updated plans
  From the 2026/27 financial year
• Apply the revised Rates Collection and Financial Hardship Policy
  After adoption
• Confirm the minutes at a later meeting
  15 June 2026

Extract

Council Meeting Minutes Monday 18 May 2026 Unconfirmed Minutes It should be noted that these minutes are not in their final form until Council has formally resolved to confirm them. These minutes will be presented to Council for confirmation on 15 June 2026. COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES 2 18 MAY 2026 Minutes of the Council Meeting held in the Council Chamber, on Monday 18 May 2026 at 7:30pm. PRESENT Cr Linda Hancock (Mayor) Wonga Ward Cr Paul Macdonald (Depuy Mayor) Tarralla Ward Cr Chris Jones Barngeong Ward Cr Catherine Gordon Bungalook Ward Cr Claire Rex Jubilee Ward Cr Nathaniel Henderson McAlpin Ward Cr Kylie Spears Wombolano Ward Cr Rob Steane OAM Yarrunga Ward Steve Kozlowski Chief Execut...