Financial Sustainability at Wingecarribee Shire Council
Like many councils across Australia, Wingecarribee Shire Council is experiencing increasing financial pressure. The funding used for day-to-day services is being stretched further each year. Continuing to operate in the same way over time would affect our ability to maintain roads, parks, buildings and other essential services.
Council’s main source of income is rates, which are capped by the State Government. At the same time, the cost of delivering services and maintaining infrastructure continues to rise, and councils are increasingly funding services and assets that were once supported by other levels of government. This means costs are growing faster than income.
That’s why Council is taking a careful, evidence-based approach to understanding its financial position now and into the future. Independent financial experts have been engaged to ensure decisions are based on facts, not assumptions.
Financial sustainability is about looking after what we already have and making sure today’s decisions don’t place a heavier burden on future generations. Acting early gives Council more options and helps protect the services and infrastructure our community values, while supporting Wingecarribee’s vision of being the most liveable place in NSW for all generations to thrive.