Quarterly Finance, Council Plan and Capital Works Updates – Q1 2026/27

Published on 29 October 2026

At the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 28 October 2026, the following quarterly updates were received for the period 1 July to 30 September 2026:

• Financial Report
• Council Plan Actions
• Capital Works Progress

Financial Report

Council recorded a year-to-date surplus of $7.19 million, compared with the budgeted surplus of $7.51 million. The variance primarily reflects higher depreciation expense following the completion of asset system data corrections. As at 30 September 2026, Council held $18.25 million in cash, largely due to the early receipt of 2026/2027 Financial Assistance Grants. Capital expenditure totalled $1.05 million against a budget of $1.60 million, with the variance mainly attributable to the seasonal scheduling of roadworks. Most capital projects remain on track for completion by June 2027.

Council Plan Actions

Quarter one (Q1) covers the period 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026, which actions against each item detailed in the attached Quarterly Performance Report. Key achievements during this quarter include:

• Council decided the successful Round 1 recipients for the Connected Communities, Business Boost and Regional Event Sponsorship grant programs, with research commencing into a new grant management platform.
• Youth engagement initiatives progressed, including research with 18–25-year-olds, delivery of First Aid and CPR training to 19 young people, and launch of the Youth Yaps program.
• Hindmarsh Pride Committee activities and the planned So Last Century event were promoted through Council newsletters, social media and media releases.
• Council expanded community participation through renewed recruitment for the Deliberative/Community Panel and a successful community pop-up session at the Rainbow Community Shed.
• An audit of Council’s online forms was completed, identifying forms to be reviewed, updated or transitioned to OpenForms.
• Early work progressed on key service and asset reviews, including research into Early Years services and development of a draft Building Management Plan.
• Community engagement resources were strengthened through development of a staff training presentation and an internal engagement method selection tool.
• The annual “Council at a Glance” financial summary has been incorporated into ongoing quarterly financial reporting.
• Community wellbeing and recreation outcomes advanced through support for the Just a Farmer screening, planning for a Dimboola Park Run, and continued development of recreation reserve masterplans.
• Strategic planning progressed through commencement of the Rural Land Use Strategy, preparation of a revised Development Infrastructure Impact and Contribution Policy, and research to support infill development opportunities.

Capital Works Progress

The Capital Works Program continues to include carried-forward projects, plant purchases, road construction, building maintenance, and major projects. During the quarter, Council crews completed 123 customer action requests and graded approximately 150 kilometres of the gravel road network.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer