Council still needs to find an extra $500,000 to cut from its operations and budget as part of the Fit for the Future process in order to remain a standalone entity. 

Already $800,000 of savings have been made, but council has said it will find the remaining money by working smarter and “doing things differently”. Mayor Paul Maytom said it was a priority for council to continue to show it can operate efficiently and sustainably to remain as an individual council. 

“There’s a lot to do … we’ve got a way to go with the whole process,” councillor Maytom said. 

“One recent example (of cost-saving) is the solar farm we have established at the sewerage treatment plant. We are collecting the data at present on its impact, but are expecting monthly savings of about $4000 to $5000 as a result of this investment.”

This year the state government will be rolling out joint organisations, which will mean councils will be grouped together to undertake regional planning. 

“This is something being implemented by the state government and while it’s new and slightly confusing, especially for the wider public, we will being co-operating fully,” Cr Maytom said. 

It will be a big year for council in terms of the different projects on its radar. Those include upgrade work at the Leeton pool, the Roxy Theatre and the main street. 

“We’re in the process of applying for grants for the pool so we can make more improvements there and bring it up to an even greater high-class standard,” Cr Maytom said. 

“Projects like these are major investments and you will see council taking the time to plan them fully so we are doing the best thing by our community.”

Cr Maytom said he believed Leeton shire remained in a good position going forward, but said it wasn't a time to be resting on its laurels. “There’s a lot to do … it’s going to be a very busy year ahead,” he said.