MOREE Plains Shire Council has allocated $407,477 towards the completion of upgrades to Moree War Memorial Hall and $3 million for Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre as part of a raft of funding allocations in its 2025-2026 Operation Plan and Budget.
And with the road network identified as a key priority, Council is proposing to invest 55 per cent of its entire annual capital works program on shire roads.
Council also aims to complete approximately $70 million in long-awaited flood recovery works over the next two years and is making available $1.2 million to support Council’s rural roads self-help program.
Council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26, Delivery Program Update 2025-29, and draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2025-35 are on public exhibition and available for public comment until 5pm, Sunday, June 15.
Moree Plains mayor Susannah Pearse said the draft Operational Plan and Budget have been prepared following extensive community consultation following the election of council.
“These documents set out what council proposes to deliver and what we propose to charge for our services,” Cr Pearse said.
“Once adopted, they essentially form our contract with the community, guiding our team’s work for the year.
“As such, we need to make sure that they meet the community’s expectations and priorities.
“I encourage everyone in the Moree Plains to have a read and let us know where we have it right and where we need some amendments.”
MOREE Plains Shire Council has allocated $407,477 towards the completion of the Moree War Memorial Hall.
The 2025-2026 Operation Plan and Budget provides for an operating expenditure of $99,742,107 plus capital expenditure of $38,871,608 providing a total expenditure of $138,613,715.
Council is budgeting a $2,789,014 surplus in 2025-26, with a breakdown of the surplus in the following funds: general fund $865,757; water Fund $993,137; and sewer fund $930,168.
The Budget also includes $3 million for Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre; $300,000 for the animal management facility, $2.3 million towards completing parks and sports fields projects across the Shire; $248,800 towards business development and events; $407,477 towards the completion of the Moree War Memorial Hall; $2.05 million for airport upgrades; $630,000 towards the Burnt and Derelict Housing Enforcement Program; and $150,000 to complete playground upgrades at Gwydir Day Care. The opening of the permanent Mungindi childcare facility is expected early in the next financial year.
The suite of documents on public display also includes Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan 2025-35 – a decade-long plan reviewed and updated annually.
The plan helps Council make financially sustainable decisions and how the commitments made in the Operational Plan are resourced.
Council’s rates and charges are also on public display, with increases for sewer, water and waste charges proposed.
Furthermore, this year’s general rate peg increase (as set by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal – IPART) is 3.7 per cent which is less than the current CPI of seven per cent and lower than surrounding councils.
Based on land valuation set by the Valuer General NSW, individual residents may see a higher or lower increase, depending on land valuation.
Public submissions on the Draft Budget and Plans close at 5pm, Sunday, June 15 and should be emailed to [email protected] or posted to General Manager, PO BOX 420, Moree, NSW 2400.
For assistance and more information about proposed plans for any part of the shire or key areas of interest, contact Council on 6757 3222.
Supporting Documents
Delivery Program 2025-29 Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2025-26
Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2035
Draft Statement of Revenue Policy 2025-26
Draft Fees and Charges 2025-26
Draft Workforce Management Strategy
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