Wingecarribee Shire Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on its suite of draft long-term planning documents, following endorsement to go on public exhibition its Council meeting.
The documents on exhibition include the Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026/27, Draft 2026/27 Fees and Charges, Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026-2036, and Draft Asset Management Strategy 2026-2036.
Together, these documents outline how Council will deliver services, maintain infrastructure and respond to community needs in line with the long-term goals of
Wingecarribee 2035, the Community Strategic Plan.
They also respond to growing financial pressures across local government, including rising costs of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure, with a strong focus on long term sustainability and responsible asset management.
An accompanying Financial Sustainability Business Case informs the Long Term Financial
Plan and identifies key challenges including an estimated $8 million annual funding gap,
an infrastructure renewal backlog exceeding $70 million, and the need to increase investment in asset renewal by around $6 million per year to prevent further deterioration.
Mayor Fitzpatrick said at the heart of the draft Plans is the responsibility to keep delivering for the community.
“Our current financial model needs to evolve to sustainably maintain the services and
infrastructure our community relies on, now and into the future. These draft Plans set out practical, responsible steps to improve efficiency and strengthen our financial position,” said Mayor Fitzpatrick.
“I encourage everyone to take a look and provide input to help shape a sustainable and
thriving Wingecarribee,” he said.
Key highlights of the draft plans include:
- Maintaining and upgrading roads and transport infrastructure to better connect
towns and villages - Supporting families and young people through targeted programs and services
- Continuing the focus on financial management and operational efficiency to ensure
long-term sustainability - Strengthening communication and engagement to support community participation
- Ongoing improvements to Development Application assessment timeframes
- Protecting the natural environment and rural character of the Shire
- Delivering $76.7 million in capital works program in 2026/27
- Providing critical water main renewals servicing southern and northern villages
