The quarterly budget review of council’s books showed its consolidated operating result had improved from $109,000 to $460,000 at December 31. 

This was mainly due to council receiving a one off $500,000 natural disaster grant to allow for immediate works on roads affected by flooding.

A further $135,000 was brought forward from the 2017/18 budget for the purchase of an asset management system and an additional $66,200 grant funding was received for economic development projects.

Planning and preparations are also underway for the next financial year’s budget. 

Mayor Paul Maytom said strong financial control would again be required by council in developing the budget in light of all local governments in NSW being approved to raise general rates income in the 2017/18 financial year by only 1.5 per cent.

“Council is also fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge in achieving the Fit for the Future performance benchmarks while maintaining service levels and financial sustainability,” he said.

“This latest quarterly budget review reinforces that position.” 

Council has also started a business retention, attraction and expansion economic development program.

The program will identify challenges and opportunities within Leeton’s economy, and in response, council will develop strategies that strengthen and diversify business opportunities in the shire.

Council’s general manager Jackie Kruger was excited about the program.

“It enables council to engage with local businesses to understand patterns or trends in relation to barriers and strengths relevant to business retention and expansion,” Mrs Kruger said.

“Armed with that knowledge we will be well placed to develop strategies that harness identified opportunities or address any issues that have been holding us back (in the past).”