Have your say on Bellingen Council’s draft financial plans

THE community can now provide feedback on a suite of Bellingen Shire’s key strategic and financial planning documents, following their endorsement for public exhibition.

The draft documents set out how Council will plan, deliver and resource services and activities across the Shire.

Following the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 15 April, the following documents are now on public exhibition for 28 days: Draft updated Our Plan for the Future (including the Operational Plan 2026/27); Draft Capital Works Program 2026/27; Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026/27–2035/36; and Draft Revenue Policy and Schedule of Fees and Charges 2026/27.

“Ultimately, these documents outline what we will deliver for the community, how we will fund it, and how we will continue to plan for a sustainable future for the Bellingen Shire,” said Mayor Steve Allan.

Our Plan for the Future 2025–2035 is Council’s integrated planning document, combining the Community Strategic Plan (10-year vision); the Delivery Program (four-year actions); and the Operational Plan (annual actions and budget).

The Operational Plan component has been updated to reflect proposed actions and priorities for the 2026/27 financial year.

Supporting documents on exhibition provide further detail on how Council’s services and projects will be funded and delivered.

This includes the Long Term Financial Plan, which outlines Council’s financial sustainability over time, the Revenue Policy and Fees and Charges, and the Capital Works Program, which identifies planned infrastructure investment across the Shire.

Mayor Allan encouraged residents, businesses and community groups to review the documents and share their feedback.

“Community input is a vital part of our planning process. We want to hear from our community and ensure these plans reflect local priorities and aspirations,” he said.

A Councillor workshop was held on 31 March 2026 to support a deeper understanding of the Draft Integrated Planning and Reporting documents, including the Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy, and Fees and Charges.

A recording of the workshop is available on Council’s website, and community members are encouraged to view it for further insight on the planning process and some of the challenges currently being faced.

Submissions are open until midnight on 13 May.

Following the public exhibition period, submissions received will be reviewed and considered, before revised documents are presented to Council for the June Ordinary Meeting.