Operational plan and budget

The annual Operational Plan and Budget outlines the detailed annual actions and planned expenditure that Council will undertake to work towards the community vision in the Community Strategic Plan.

It spells out the yearly projects and activities that will be undertaken to achieve the commitments made in the four-year Delivery Program.

Delivery Program 2022-2026 (Year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24

The Delivery Program 2022-2026 (Year 2), Operational Plan and Budget 2023-24 were adopted by Council in June 2023.

What's in the document?

  • Detailed initiatives and programs to be undertaken by Council during the 2023/24 financial year
  • Key drivers for Council's 2023/24 budget
  • Detailed operating and capital works budgets for 2023/24
  • Statements of Council's financial position, cash flow and loan borrowing
  • An overview of Council's rates, fees and charges

The budget explained

This year, Council’s responsible budget is focused on:

  • Stimulating the local economy
  • Delivering infrastructure
  • Renewing ageing assets

Where does Council get its money?

Council's revenue comes from the following sources:

Council\

Rates harmonisation

The 2023/24 rating year is the third year of an eight-year rates harmonisation path as required by the NSW Government. By the 2029/30 rating year, all former council rating structures will be subject to the same ad valorem rate for residential and business rates. Council is increasing its overall rates income by the rate peg approved by IPART at 3.7% for 2023/24 financial year, all rates will be subject to change.

Eligible pensioners continue to receive a $250 rates discount, and an extra rebate for domestic waste and stormwater charges.

Council also has a hardship policy to assist ratepayers..

How we spend your rates and other income

For every $100 collected, Council allocates: 

For every $100 collected Council allocates: $30 to Operations – roads, footpaths, parks and gardens maintenance and fleet, $28 to Capital Works, $9 to Library and Historical Services, $6 to Community Services and Culture, $5 to Sports and Recreation,$5 to Planning, $5 to Environment and Sustainability, $4 to Children and Family Services, $2 to Engineering Services, $1 to Community Events, $1 to Economic Development, $1 to Resource Recovery, $1 to Traffic and Transport Planning, $1 to Regulatory Services and $1 to Corporate Support Services.

Budget highlights

Council is focusing on a greener, healthier Inner West, dramatically improved main streets, better interactions with residents and even more support for arts and creative industries. The budget emphasises continued delivery of valuable local services, maintaining and improving infrastructure and building new facilities for everyone to enjoy.

Key highlights for 2023/24 include:

Budget highlights 2022-23

Long term financial sustainability

Since the merger Council has identified more than $22 million worth of efficiencies and harmonised services and Council is committed to further budget repair.

Council's program of financial sustainability will improve our bottom line through service reviews and a focus on continuous improvement. As well Council is:

  • Purchasing a new commercial investment property to generate income
  • Maximising strategic procurement
  • Enhancing asset management practices
  • Implementing our Land and Property Strategy
  • Leveraging the value in technology to deliver better processes and efficiency improvements
  • Reviewing fees and charges
  • Seeking out new revenue generating opportunities

Previous year operational plans

Fees and charges

Council's fees and charges supports each annual budget. These can be found on the Fees and Charges page.

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Page last updated: 30 Jun 2023