Have Your Say
Your feedback on the draft Operational Plan & Annual Budget 2026/27 is essential to ensure Council’s priorities align with community expectations. Whether it’s road priorities, youth services, or financial improvement goals, we want to hear from you.
How to Provide Feedback
The draft Operational Plan & Annual Budget 2026/27 is open for community feedback until 5 pm Monday, 20 April 2026:
Online: https://au.openforms.com/Form/0129dac1-53bf-4e72-9253-4b2b788278cb
Email: council@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 77, Corowa, NSW, 2646
What Happens Next?
Council will review all community feedback after the exhibition period ends on 20 April 2026.
Your input will help shape the final version of the Operational Plan & Annual Budget 2026/27 before it is formally adopted by Council at the Ordinary Council meeting on 17 June 2026.
INTRODUCTION
Introduction
This summary of the draft Operational Plan & Annual Budget 2026/27 explains how Council plans to manage services and budget for the 2026/27 financial year. This plan is part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) Framework i that New South Wales local councils operate under. The IP&R Framework ensures Council's daily work meets the community's long-term needs.
The full version of the draft Operational Plan & Annual Budget 2026/27 is available: https://www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au/Connect/Have-your-Say/Have-Your-Say-ShapeFuture-Federation-2026-2027/Review-our-draft-Plans
The summary document:
• Explains the IP&R Framework and Council’s Strategic documents.
• Provides key highlights of the plan, including:
o Key Projects.
o Snapshot of the Annual Budget
o Summary of the Operational Plan.
The Three Tiers of the IP&R Framework
1. The 10-Year ’+’ Vision (Future Federation 2040 Community Strategic Plan): Is the highestlevel plan that identifies the community’s long-term aspirations.
2. The 4-Year Commitment (Delivery Program 2025–2029): Outlines the activities Council will undertake during its current term to move toward that 10-year vision.
3. The 1-Year Action Plan (Operational Plan & Annual Budget): Provides the year-by-year breakdown of specific work and exactly how much money is allocated for 2026/27.
Council’s IP&R documents is available on the Federation Council website ii
The following diagram further explains the IP&R Framework and related documentation.
i IP&R Framework – Office of Local Government - https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/integratedplanning-and-reporting/
ii Council’s strategies and plans - https://www.federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au/Council/CorporatePlanning/Plans-Strategies
KEY HIGHLIGHTS 2026/27
Key Projects
Pillar
Built
& Key Projects
$6.2 million capital works renewal and improvement program (roads, bridges and footpaths), including:
• Merton Road, Collendina.
• Narrow Plains Road, Narrow Plain.
• Wandong Road, Savernake.
• Yamma Road (Morundah-Coleambally).
Howlong water infrastructure upgrades (A1.40 iv).
Stormwater & flood protection - implement recommendations from the Villages Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan (A1.17iv).
Flood risk management study and plan (Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala - A1.18iv).
Community Benefit
Improves travel safety, reduces vehicle wear and tear, and ensures reliable transport links for residents and local industry.
Ensures a secure, high-quality water supply and supports future residential growth in Howlong.
Reduces the risk of property damage and improves community safety during heavy rain events.
Provides a clear roadmap to protect homes and businesses from future flooding through better planning.
Economic
Economic Development Strategy (A2.2iv). Creates a clear plan to support local jobs and local businesses, and diversify the regional economy.
Funding for key community priorities across the Council area (A2.22iv).
Reduces the financial burden on the community by securing state and commonwealth money for projects.
Howlong Industrial Estate Land (A2.8iv). Encourages industrial investment, leading to more local employment opportunities.
Destination Marketing Strategy - North of the Murray (A2.24iv).
Natural
Boosts the local tourism economy by attracting more visitors to our retail, hospitality, and service businesses
Ball Park Reserve Management (A3.14iv). Protects and improves local Crown Land for community recreation and environmental preservation.
Local Emergency Management Committee coordination (A3.6iv).
Ensures the region is prepared and organised to respond effectively to natural disasters or emergencies
Pillar & Key Projects
Flood damaged roads restoration - disaster recovery and insurance funding (A3.9iv, A3.10iv).
Social
Miki City (A4.42iv).
Community grants program (A4.15iv).
Youth & Ageing Well Strategies (A4.44iv, A4.23iv).
Well-Governed
Roads Advisory Committee engagement regarding strategic road priorities (A5.8iv).
Community Engagement Strategy improvements (A5.50iv).
Financial Improvement Plan initiatives (A5.12iv).
Planning and Development Service Review implementation (A5.65iv).
Workforce Management Strategy (A5.67iv).
Community Benefit
Restores vital transport access and safety to pre-flood standards at minimal cost to the ratepayer.
Maintains cultural ties and international relationships that enrich the community’s social fabric
Provides financial support to local clubs and groups to deliver grassroots projects and events.
Ensures our youngest and oldest residents have access to tailored services, social connection, and support.
Ensures that local transport plans reflect both community needs and expert technical advice.
Makes it easier for residents to have their voices heard and influence Council decisionmaking.
Aimed at reducing the deficit to improve Council’s sustainability and delay future rate increases.
Results in faster processing times for Development Applications (DAs), and clearer communication for homeowners and developers.
Ensures Council has the right staff and skills to deliver services efficiently and professionally.
iv Code from Operational Plan – full details of the action can be viewed in the draft Operational Plan & Annual Budget 2026/27
Financial Highlights
The Annual Budget is the plan for how the community’s money is managed. Council’s three main goals of the managing the budget are:
1. Stick to the Plan: Make sure everything matches the big four-year goal.
2. Be Money Smart: Spend money wisely so the Council stays financially healthy for a long time.
3. Put Community First: Focus on what people really need, like safety, health, and good roads.
Budget Summary
Operating Income
Operating Expenditure
Operating Result
$55.99 Million
$59.19 Million
($3.20 Million) Deficit
Where the Money Comes From (Operating Income)
Council receives funding from several key areas
Money from rates, grants, user fees, and investments.
Costs for staff, materials, services, and asset depreciation.
The current shortfall Council is working to reduce.
• Rates & Annual Charges: This includes the 11.8% general rate increase approved by Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) v in 2025.
• Grants & Contributions: State and Commonwealth funding for specific projects or general operations.
• User Charges & Fees: Revenue from services such as water, waste, and facility hire.
• Other: Interest on investments, asset sales, and government rebates like fuel tax credits.
v IPART - https://www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home/About-IPART
from Disposal of Assets
Where the Money Goes (Operating Expenditure)
Day-to-day costs include:
Revenues
• Employee Costs: Paying the staff required to deliver the community services.
• Materials & Services: Contractors, electricity, insurance, software, and consumables.
• Depreciation: Accounting for the "wear and tear" of our multi-million dollar assets.
• Borrowing & Other Expenses: Interest on loans and mandatory levies, such as the NSW Rural Fire Services Levy.
Investing in Assets (Capital Expenditure)
Council will spend $21.13 million on major renewals and upgrades of assets from the following funds:
This includes:
• Sealed Local & Regional Roads: Significant investments include $641k for Wandong Road (Savernake), $575k for Yamma Road (Morundah-Coleambally), $513k for Narrow Plains Road, and $450k for Merton Road (Collendina).
• Unsealed Roads: $864k dedicated to gravel road improvements across Boree Creek, Collendina, Coreen, Daysdale, Lowesdale, Rand, South Corowa and Urana.
• Water Utilities: $7.75 million to commence construction of the Howlong Reservoir, alongside upgrades to the Balldale water supply.
• Drainage & Safety: $499k for the Rural Culvert Replacement Program to improve drainage and prevent road deterioration.
Operational Plan
The Operational Plan 2026/27 comprises 125 actions. These actions are a mix of key projects, ongoing programs, and core "business as usual" activities.
Built Federation
Objective: Our infrastructure enhances the lives of our community.
Total Actions Staffing Service Reviews
20 Equivalent of 92.1 full-time staff members
Key Actions:
• Sporting Playgrounds Presentation
• Quarries
• Transport & Planning: Investigate bypass options for Howlong (A1.34) and Urana (A1.35) Prepare a bridge Asset Management Plan (A1.37) and review road hierarchies (A1.38)
• Bridges & Pedestrians: Seek funding for the Athole Bridge replacement (A1.39) and to update the Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (A1.36).
• Public Transport: Advocate for improved public transport for residents and industry (A1.5).
• Water & Sewer: Commence construction of the Howlong Reservoir (A1.40). Plan for the Howlong Sewerage Treatment Plant expansion (A1.41) and commission the Lavis Rd bore for Balldale (A1.42).
• Advocacy: Lobby for Mulwala Water Treatment Plant renewal (A1.8) and improved digital connectivity (A1.19).
• Waste & Floods: Implement the Waste Management Strategy (A1.13). Prepare a Flood Risk Management Study for Corowa, Howlong, and Mulwala (A1.18).
• Facilities: Seek funding for recreation Masterplans (A1.21). Maintain and operate swimming pools across the region (A1.44, A1.45).
Economic Federation
Objective: Our economy is strong with learning, employment, and business opportunities.
Total Actions Staffing Service Reviews:
17 Equivalent of 4.4 full-time staff members
Key Actions:
• Caravan Parks
• Economic Development
• Strategy: Evaluate the 2021–2025 Economic Development Strategy (A2.1) and update it for the next four years (A2.2).
• Business Growth: Support regional economic strategies (A2.3) and facilitate local business support services (A2.7).
• Industrial Land: Sell lots in the Howlong Industrial Estate (A2.8).
• Tourism Marketing: Review the North of the Murray Marketing Strategy (A2.24) and deliver seasonal campaigns (A2.25).
• Visitor Services: Operate the Corowa Visitor Information Centre (A2.16) and maintain the tourism website (A2.23).
• Community Events: Publish a monthly electronic events calendar (A2.26).
• Education: Advocate for rural school preservation (A2.19).
Natural Federation
Objective: We are stewards of the natural environment for future generations.
Total Actions Staffing Service Reviews
9 Equivalent of 35.9 full-time staff members
• Nil
Key Actions:
• Conservation: Partner with Corowa Landcare on local environmental protection (A3.2).
• Weed Management: Implement actions from the 2026–2030 Riverina Murray Weeds Action Plan (A3.3)
• Waterways: Seek funding for the Corowa Foreshore Structure Plan implementation (A3.4).
• Emergency Services: Coordinate the Local Emergency Management Committee (A3.6) and provide After Hours Emergency Response (A3.7)
• Flood Recovery: Undertake flood-damaged road restoration (A3.9) and insurance-funded recovery activities (A3.10).
• Planning: Continue processing Development Applications (A3.15)
Social Federation
Objective: A vibrant and connected community leading healthy and fulfilled lives
34 Equivalent of 18.8 full-time staff members
Key Actions:
• Swimming Pools (Corowa Aquatic Centre)
• Culture: Implement the Reconciliation Action Plan (A4.2) and deliver Arts and Cultural Strategy actions (A4.3).
• Sister City Exchange: Host delegations from Miki City (A4.42) and plan a 2027 visit (A4.43).
• Libraries: Provide libraries in Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala (A4.7) and mobile services to outlying towns (A4.8).
• Inclusion: Implement the Volunteer Management Framework (A4.14) and the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (A4.28).
• Youth: Support the Youth Council (A4.16) and implement priority actions from the Youth Strategy (A4.44)
• Seniors: Implement Ageing Well Strategy priorities (A4.23) and host Seniors Week events (A4.24).
• Safety & Health: Deliver the Road Safety Program (A4.25) Support medical centres in Howlong, Oaklands, and Urana (A4.45).
• Families: Deliver mobile preschool services (A4.31) and provide financial contribution to the Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala Preschools (A4.32).
Well-Governed Federation
Objective: Civic leadership is strong, consultative, and responsive to our community’s needs.
Total Actions Staffing (FTE) Service Reviews
45 Equivalent of 38.8 full-time staff members
Key Actions:
Finance
• Engagement: Deliver a bi-annual Community Satisfaction Survey (A5.64) and implement Community Engagement Strategy improvements (A5.50)
• Consultation: Engage with the Roads Advisory Committee (A5.8) and the community on annual fees and charges (A5.5)
• Financials: Update the Long-Term Financial Plan (A5.10) and implement the Financial Improvement Plan (A5.12).
• Pricing Reviews: Review pricing signals for pools (A5.51), halls and facilities (A5.52), saleyards (A5.53), and caravan parks (A5.54).
• Workforce: Implement the Workforce Management Strategy (A5.67) and improvements to recruitment practices (A5.24).
• Efficiency: Maintain a Cyber Security Framework (A5.33) and a responsive customer request system (A5.16).
• Assets: Update the Strategic Asset Management Plan (A5.39) and implement the Asset Management Improvement Plan (A5.38).
• Governance: Review Privacy Management Plan (A5.46) and audit against NSW Child Safe Standards (A5.87).