MOREE Plains Shire Council’s draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026-2027, the key document guiding Council’s daily activities, capital projects, budget and fees and charges over the next 12 months is currently on public exhibition and open for comment until 5pm Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Other key documents going on display include the Delivery Program for 2025-2029, Council’s four-year plan supporting the Community Strategic Plan, which is the community’s vision for the Shire over the next ten years.
Resourcing strategy documents include the Workforce Management Strategy; Long-term Financial Plan; and Asset Management Strategy.
Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said this is an opportunity for community members to submit comments on the allocation of resources and projects Council is planning to undertake in the new financial year.
“Council plays a very important role in the everyday life of our residents through the day-to-day services we provide,” Cr Pearse said.
“These days, more is expected of councils. We don’t just look after the traditional roads, rates and rubbish – we now must take on a leading role in advocating for our community with other tiers of government and delivering significant capital projects.
“Our councillors, general manager and team have invested a considerable amount of time in putting together next year’s Operational Plan and Budget, building on the momentum already established during the first half of this Council term in order to meet the needs of our Shire, now and into the future.
“These include further investment in roads, works to upgrade water and sewer infrastructure, improvements to community facilities and generally a focus on finishing projects and making the Shire a more liveable place,” she said.
“In a time when many in the Shire are doing it tough due to the cost-of-living crisis and fuel and fertiliser uncertainty, we have tried to balance financial sustainability with not pursuing the path of a special rate variation, unlike many other New South Wales councils.
“This does mean that we need to be careful with what we commit to. As such, this is a restrained, responsible budget that sticks to core services and investment in critical infrastructure.”
(from left) Moree Plains Shire Council’s director of infrastructure Michael Malone, Cr Kelly James, mayor Susannah Pearse, Cr Peter Mailler, Cr Fred McGrady and general manager Natalia Cowley.
General manager, Natalia Cowley, said the budget is ambitious with lots to be done.
“Council will spend $15 million on annual works on our rural, urban and regional roads, as well as a further $52 million on flood recovery works, which is largely grant funded,” Ms Cowley said.
“Further upgrades to sporting ground and facilities, parks and open spaces across the Shire, and $100,000 towards a ‘changing places facility’ at Jacaranda Park will also be completed during the course of the year.
“We value community thoughts and feedback and understand that finding what you are looking for in these documents can be challenging.
“If you would like to know about something in particular, please reach out to our team by phone, email, or in person at the Max Centre,” she said.
The draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026-2027 is available on Council’s website HERE and can also be viewed at Council’s Customer Service Centre in Moree and at the Moree Community Library.
Comments, feedback and submissions on the draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026-2027 should be addressed to the attention of the general manager and submitted by 5pm Wednesday, June 10, 2026 by post to PO Box 420, Moree NSW 2400 or email to [email protected].
For further information, Council can be contacted during business hours on 6757 3222.
Important links:
Draft Operational Plan and Budget 2026-2027
Updated FY 2026-2027 Delivery Program 2025-2029
Draft Operational Plan Appendix A Revenue Policy 2026-2027
Draft Operational Plan Appendix B Fees and Charges 2026-2027
Draft Long-Term Financial Plan
Updated 2026 Workforce Management Strategy 2025-2029
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