Port Macquarie Hastings Council has adopted its roadmap for service delivery, infrastructure investment and long-term financial sustainability across the region.
The adopted package includes the Operational Plan 2026-2027, Delivery Program 2025-2029 (Year 2), Long-Term Financial Plan and Revenue Policy, as well as rates, fees and charges.
Mayor Adam Roberts said the adopted plans reflected the council’s responsibility to balance the needs of a growing community with the realities of delivering infrastructure and services in an increasingly challenging financial environment.
“Our Community, Our Plan in Action is about delivering on the priorities our community has told us are important, while making sure Council remains in a strong position to serve future generations,” Mayor Roberts said.
The budget includes a capital works program of more than $200 million, representing one of the largest infrastructure delivery programs ever undertaken by Council.
Major projects to be delivered or progressed during 2026-2027 include the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme, the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme, Beechwood Road Upgrade Stage 6, Maria River Road Upgrade, continued investment in local roads, bridges and stormwater infrastructure, and upgrades to sporting facilities, parks, open spaces and community assets across the region.
Mayor Roberts said the investment program would help support both existing residents and the region’s future growth.
“Our community continues to grow, and with that growth comes increased demand for infrastructure, services and facilities,” he said.
“At the same time, councils are facing rising costs across almost every area of service delivery, from construction and materials through to energy, fuel, insurance and maintenance.
“While support has been limited thus far, our continued advocacy for greater State and Federal Government investment in local infrastructure will continue, and I will remain committed to engaging with Ministers, Members of Parliament, government agencies and peak local government bodies to seek the support we need.
“We have consistently made the case that regional communities need greater infrastructure support, and we will continue advocating strongly for our fair share of funding.”
The adopted financial plans includes taking up the rate peg for 2026-27 announced by IPART for general rates, $1.4 million of available rate peg not taken up in previous years to support the continuation of delivery of cores services at current levels, increases to water and waste charges (7 per cent), sewer fees (9 per cent) and rates, fees and charges which will typically increase by approximately 5 per cent. As part of Councils’ consideration, debate occurred with respect to Fees & Charges.
As a result, selected fees for commercial activities on Council managed land were amended to reduce impact from those originally proposed.
Substantial borrowings and drawing down on reserve funds are also included, which will go some way to limiting the fee increases to the current ratepayers, sharing the costs with future ratepayers for intergenerational equity.
Water and sewer charges will support major infrastructure projects including the Cowarra Water Supply Scheme and Thrumster Wastewater Scheme, while waste charges will support ongoing service delivery, environmental compliance requirements and future investment in waste infrastructure.
General rates will continue to be invested in core service and infrastructure delivery.
General Manager Robert Fish acknowledged the impact of the rising costs on households, but said the adopted budget sought to balance affordability with Council’s responsibility to maintain services and infrastructure.
“For many years, councils across NSW have faced a growing gap between the cost of delivering services and the revenue available to fund them,” he said.
“The additional revenue generated through this budget will help maintain essential services, support stormwater and asset maintenance programs, deliver critical infrastructure and ensure Council remains financially sustainable into the future.
“Our responsibility is to ensure the infrastructure and services our community relies on today remain available tomorrow.
“That means making measured decisions now that protect services, maintain assets and support the long-term future of our region.”
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