governance · Inner West Council
Inner West Council reviews $206.5 million portfolio as draft investment policy goes on exhibition
The portfolio returned 4.65 per cent annualised over three months, above the 4.47 per cent AusBond Bank Bill Index benchmark.
Inner West Council has put its draft Investment Policy on public exhibition after noting a $206.5 million portfolio value and a three-month annualised return above its benchmark.
The portfolio had a market value of $206.5 million as at 31 July 2026, according to the investment report considered by councillors on 25 August.
Its annualised marked-to-market return was 4.65 per cent between 1 May and 31 July. The AusBond Bank Bill Index benchmark was 4.47 per cent over the same period.
Councillors also noted that the council had complied with the limits in its Investment Policy. The investment report was carried unanimously, with all councillors present voting in favour and none against.
The draft policy governs the management of council funds across the Inner West local government area. The portfolio represents public money managed by the council.
The policy will be exhibited before councillors consider it again. No exhibition period or date for a final adoption decision was specified in the material available for this report.
The investment report was considered alongside other financial and governance matters, including waste-service changes and proposed parking-cost measures for the 2027-28 budget process.
The Waste Management Working Group’s 12-month tenure was noted as complete, with waste collection harmonisation across the local government area identified as its key achievement. Council is proceeding with arrangements to collect waste in the West area using day labour, harmonise the recycling contract and transition FOGO collection to mornings alongside other waste streams.
The proposed parking-cost measures referred to the 2027-28 budget process include no increase to resident parking permit fees above CPI for three years, 30 free visitor permits per eligible household each year, and continuation of a 50 per cent concession for eligible pensioners and concession-card holders. These are not final budget charges.
Reference minutes
Inner West Council, Council meeting of 25 August 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Inner West Council advanced its draft Investment Policy for public exhibition.
- The investment portfolio had a market value of $206.5 million at 31 July 2026.
- The portfolio’s annualised marked-to-market return was 4.65 per cent from 1 May to 31 July.
- The AusBond Bank Bill Index benchmark was 4.47 per cent over the same period.
- Council noted compliance with the limits in its Investment Policy.
- The investment report was carried with no votes against.
Why it matters
- The draft policy will guide how Inner West Council manages public funds, while the reported portfolio represents $206.5 million held on behalf of the community.