19-01-2026
After a difficult two years grappling with financial sustainability, leading to efficiencies and productivity reviews along with lower service levels, Upper Lachlan Shire Council has improved its unrestricted cash position from critically low to over $1.5million.
These efficiencies and productivity achievements reflect the dedication and commitment of Council CEO Alex Waldron, the Executive Team, Councillors and staff across the organisation.
Through the implementation of service reviews, service-level decisions, and targeted efficiency measures in response to the AEC Group Ltd Independent Financial Sustainability Review Report in November 2023, the Council has delivered measurable results and continuous improvements. The organisation can take pride in these accomplishments, which underscore a culture of accountability and progress. The Financial Sustainability Review Report applied a comprehensive lens to the entire organisation’s operations.
Decreases in operating costs and increase in income is being realised with the Council’s unrestricted cash position having improved from $117K (2023) to $1.524 million (2025), however, the Council will continue to aim for a minimum of $2 million in unrestricted cash, as recommended in the AEC Group Ltd report to meet short term liquidity requirements.
One-off asset sale proceeds have been used to replenish internal restricted reserve funds, such as the buildings and infrastructure reserve and the plant replacement reserve. It is important to note that these sales were not used to artificially increase the unrestricted cash position.
Below summarises the efficiency outcomes achieved over the past two years.
Financial Position Improvements – High-Level Outcome Summary – Savings
- One-off cash inflow – Net Proceeds Property, Plant and Equipment Sales $2,003,272
- Expense Savings and income increase – Reducing / Review of contracts, leases and subscriptions of external providers, user fees and charges income $394,077
- Recurrent asset savings – Maintenance / Building Costs / Depreciation costs $94,517
- Recurrent operational cost savings – Organisation Restructure (FTE reduction), Employee salaries and bringing services in-house $1,357,238
- Recurrent operational cost savings – Service Level reductions $296,198
Total Savings and Efficiency Outcomes Achieved $4,145,302
Significantly, the above financial position improvements and the reduction in ongoing recurrent budget costs have been realised without the anticipated cash injection from a Special Rate Variation (SRV), as was recommended in the AEC Group Ltd report to assist in delivering efficiencies. The efficiency outcomes have not led to increases in general rates imposed on the community.
CEO Alex Waldron said, “I am incredibly proud of what Council has achieved, this hasn’t been an easy road for Council or the community, however this was necessary and our improved financial position reflects that necessity.”
The achievements and savings realised were recognised by the elected Councillors at the 18 December 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting and thanks provided to the CEO and Executive team.
For further information or comment please contact Council on 02 4830 1000 or [email protected]