ERC Invites Community Feedback on Key Strategic Plans
Published on 24 April 2025
Edward River residents now have the chance to have their say on two of Council's key strategic framework documents - the draft 2025-26 Operational Plan & Budget and the draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 - which are both now on public exhibition.
All community members are invited to review these important documents and provide their feedback.
The draft Delivery Program translates the goals from the Community Strategic Plan into clear actions and serves as the guiding document for all activities undertaken by Council over the next four years (2025-2029). It outlines the approach to the five key themes of the Community Strategic Plan – Communities, Natural Environments, Built Environments, Economy and Leadership.
Some of the highlights of the draft Delivery Program include:
Review and implementation of agreed actions to progress Edward River Village
Review of road crossings to prioritise safety
Collaboration with stakeholders on Country Universities Centre for our region
Development and implementation of a housing strategy
Advocacy for local water policy to support our community
Investigations and planning for new Sewer Treatment Plant
Engagement on South West Renewable Energy Zone opportunities
Seek adoption of Growth Strategy and progress implementation of actions
Hardinge Street reconstruction, focus on levee bank repairs and planning, improvement of stormwater drainage.
The draft Operational Plan and Budget details the program of work Council plans to deliver in the coming financial year to achieve the commitments made in the Delivery Program.
The 2025-2026 Budget has been prepared on a ‘business as usual’ basis, with a consolidated Budget including revenue of $39.7 million and operating expenses of $36.5 million, resulting in an operating surplus of $3.2 million. This includes Capital Income of $1.3 million, with a proposed Capital Works program totalling $14.3 million.
"This draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan present a practical view of Edward River’s operations, highlighting our effective management while recognising that services and infrastructure projects need to be planned within our financial capabilities," stated Edward River Council CEO, Jack Bond.
The draft documents have been prepared after extensive workshops with Councillors and Council’s Executive Leadership Team over the previous months.
Mayor of Edward River, Cr Ashley Hall hopes to collect diverse feedback from as many residents as possible, “Now is your chance to share your ideas and feedback on key services, projects, initiatives and actions Council has planned for the coming years,” Mayor Hall said.
“We encourage as many people as possible to take some time to find out about Council’s short- term and long-term planning. We value your feedback, and all submissions will be considered as part of this engagement process,” said Mayor Hall.
Both of these documents will be publicly exhibited for at least 28 days, and all submissions received during this period will be considered before the final documents are adopted by Council.
Access the Draft Plans:
• Online: Visit www.haveyoursay.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au to view the drafts and submit feedback via the online feedback form.
• In Person: Drop into the Customer Service Office or the Edward River Library to pick up a hard copy. Feedback may be given to the Customer Service Office or posted to: PO Box 270, Deniliquin NSW 2710, marking the envelope ‘For the attention of the CEO’.
Submission Deadline: 4pm on 21 May 2025.
The community is encouraged to review these draft plans and provide valuable feedback to help shape the future of Edward River.
For more information, please view the webpage www.haveyoursay.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au or contact Edward River Council on 03 5898 3000.
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