Bellingen Shire Council has adopted its 2026–27 Operational Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy, and Fees and Charges, setting priorities for the delivery of projects, services and infrastructure across the shire over the coming financial year.
The documents were adopted at Council’s June ordinary meeting following public exhibition and community consultation.
Council General Manager Mark Griffioen said the Operational Plan is a key component of Our Plan for the Future 2025–2035, Council’s integrated planning framework that guides decisions, services and investment across the shire.
“Over the next 12 months, Council will continue delivering major infrastructure projects across the Shire, including the Sewering Coastal Villages Project, water main renewals between Marx Hill and Raleigh Reservoir, bridge renewals, and ongoing road rehabilitation, resealing and footpath works,” Griffioen said.
“Council will also progress planning for future community infrastructure through a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the delivery of priority actions from the Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo CBD Master Plans, including upgrades in Urunga.”
“Environmental sustainability will remain a key focus through continued implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy, Coastal Management Program and Corporate Carbon Plan, alongside Environment Levy Community Grants that support local sustainability projects.”
“To support future economic opportunities, Council will update its Economic Development and Tourism Plan, progress employment land rezonings in Raleigh and Urunga, and develop a Shire-wide Signage Style Guide to improve wayfinding and the visitor experience.”
Council also adopted an updated Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy, and Schedule of Fees and Charges, which set out the resources required to deliver the Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
Mayor Steve Allan said the adopted plans provide a clear roadmap for Council’s priorities while balancing the financial challenges facing local government.
“These documents outline how Council will continue delivering essential services, maintain critical infrastructure and invest in projects that support our communities, environment and local economy,” Allan said.
“Importantly, they reflect community priorities and provide a transparent framework for how Council will allocate resources over the coming year while planning responsibly for the future.”
“That direct line from community voice to strategic direction, through to operational delivery is exactly how local government should function.”
“What this means in practical terms is simple: Council is not setting priorities in isolation, we are responding directly to what our community has told us matters most and delivering on those priorities through a structured, transparent and accountable framework.”
Residents will have another opportunity to provide feedback later this year through the Community Pulse Survey, which will help inform Council’s future planning and service delivery.
Building on the 2024 Community Scorecard, which helped shape Our Plan for the Future, the survey will provide further insight into community priorities and help guide Council’s performance and services across the Bellingen Shire.
The adopted 2026–27 Operational Plan, Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy, and Fees and Charges are available here.
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