11-11-2025
Upper Lachlan Shire Council presented its final outreach meeting on Wednesday, 5 November, in Collector. This event concluded a series of outreach sessions held throughout October and November. Each session offered community members valuable insights and opportunities to discuss local issues.
All sessions saw strong participation from both Councillors and community members. The outreach meetings provided updates on key strategic documents for the Shire. These included the 2025–2026 Operational Plan, 2025–2034 Infrastructure Plan, Long-Term Financial Plan, Delivery Program, Workforce Plan, and the Community Strategic Plan 2042.
Financial performance indicators were reviewed, including the unrestricted current ratio, own-source operating revenue, building and infrastructure renewals, and the operating performance ratio. Council operations have improved following the implementation of cost-saving initiatives. These efforts have strengthened the Council’s financial position. Unrestricted cash has risen from $117,000 at 30 June 2023 to $1.524 million at 30 June 2025.
In addition, the meeting highlighted Council’s strengthened cash position. This resulted from service-level adjustments, business-unit reviews, and organisational restructuring in 2024.
Separate to this, proceeds from the sale of assets has improve internal reserves these include the buildings and infrastructure reserve, gravel pit reserve, and plant replacement reserve, all of which are critical community assets.
The latter part of the meeting focused on completed projects in Collector. Over the past three years, more than $3 million has been invested in capital works in the district. These include the Roads to Recovery Program and natural disaster road restoration works across the Shire. An additional $15,000 was allocated to installing a new, upgraded automated flood warning system in Collector.
The meeting also outlined Council’s upcoming works in the area. Projects include improvements at the Collector Public School, a school zone raised pedestrian crossing with footpath, kerb, and guttering on Lorn Street. Road safety upgrades for Taralga/Goulburn Road and new kerb and gutter on Orchard Street are pending grant approval.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion between community members and the Council’s Executive Team. This emphasized strong collaboration and engagement. After the formal proceedings, attendees had the chance to speak with Councillors in a more informal setting.
Council acknowledged the need for continued improvement. It used the opportunity to showcase a range of projects and to address community concerns on local issues.
Council extends its sincere gratitude to all who participated in the outreach meetings and looks forward to ongoing collaboration, community engagement, and open dialogue as we continue working together for the growth and well-being of the Shire.