Budget conversations shaping Albury’s future

While attendance at some sessions has been modest, the conversations themselves have been thoughtful, informed and constructive. People have asked important questions, challenged assumptions and genuinely engaged about the future direction of Albury.

That’s exactly what these sessions are for.

We’ve continued to encourage residents to make formal submissions where they feel strongly about particular issues, because community feedback genuinely matters in shaping Council’s decisions.

One thing people have appreciated is honesty.

The reality is simple: you can’t expect change if nothing changes.

Like many households, Council is facing increasing costs across almost every area of operation. In the short term, households might rely on savings to manage rising expenses. Councils can do something similar through what we call working funds — but neither option is sustainable forever.

Eventually, the money runs out.

Right now, AlburyCity’s operating expenses are greater than our operating revenue. That means we need to continue looking carefully at how we operate, where we can improve efficiency, the services we provide, and how we fund those services into the future.

Unlike businesses or other levels of government, councils have limited options when it comes to raising revenue. Over the past two decades, operating grants and external contributions have steadily declined, placing greater pressure on rates as a primary funding source.

At the same time, cost shifting from other levels of government continues to place additional strain on councils across NSW.

The latest Local Government NSW survey found that cost shifting equates to around $490 for every annual rates notice issued. That’s funding which could otherwise support local roads, community facilities, infrastructure renewal and essential services for our growing city.

While the Draft Budget 2026/27 currently forecasts a deficit of around $18 million in the General Fund, this is still a substantial improvement on the 2024/25 result and the projection for the current financial year. There has been significant work undertaken over the past six to eight months to improve Council’s financial position, and that work continues every day.

Already, a further $1.5 million in efficiencies has been identified through the process initiated following Council’s 16 March resolution. Those measures will be considered by Council, alongside further work examining service levels, operational efficiencies and how we ensure we are delivering the right services at the right level for our community.

There is no overnight solution to the challenges that have developed over many years. But there is a clear commitment to making responsible decisions that strengthen Albury’s long-term future.

There are still opportunities for the community to be involved in the conversation, including the upcoming Draft Budget information session at our AlburyCity Offices on Thursday 21 May at 5:30pm.

Community feedback on the Draft Budget also remains open online until Friday 22 May.

I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to have their say, because this conversation is ultimately about shaping the future of Albury together.

Steve McGrath
AlburyCity Interim CEO