Bellingen Shire Council has adopted its Operational Plan 2026–27, Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy and Fees and Charges, setting the course for the delivery of key projects, services and infrastructure across the Shire over the coming financial year.
The documents were presented at Council’s June Ordinary Meeting following a period of public exhibition and community feedback.
Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen said the Operational Plan is a key part of Our Plan for the Future 2025–2035, Council’s integrated planning framework guiding decisions, services and investment across the Shire.
“Over the next 12 months, Council will continue delivering major infrastructure projects across the Shire, including the Sewering Coastal Villages Project, water main renewals between Marx Hill and Raleigh Reservoir, bridge renewals, and ongoing road rehabilitation, resealing and footpath works,” Mr Griffioen said.
“Council will also progress planning for future community infrastructure through a new Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the delivery of priority actions from the Bellingen, Urunga and Dorrigo CBD Master Plans, including upgrades in Urunga.
“Environmental sustainability will remain a key focus through continued implementation of the Biodiversity Strategy, Coastal Management Program and Corporate Carbon Plan, alongside Environment Levy Community Grants that support local sustainability projects.”
“To support future economic opportunities, Council will update its Economic Development and Tourism Plan, progress employment land rezonings in Raleigh and Urunga, and develop a Shire-wide Signage Style Guide to improve wayfinding and the visitor experience.”
Other key documents which were adopted at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council included the updated Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy and Schedule of Fees and Charges, which outline the resources that Council needs to implement the Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Steve Allan, said the adopted plans provide a clear roadmap for Council’s priorities while balancing the financial realities facing local government.
“These documents outline how Council will continue delivering essential services, maintain critical infrastructure and invest in projects that support our communities, environment and local economy,” Mayor Allan said.
“Importantly, they reflect community priorities and provide a transparent framework for how Council will allocate resources over the coming year while planning responsibly for the future.”
“That direct line from community voice to strategic direction, through to operational delivery is exactly how local government should function.
“What this means in practical terms is simple: Council is not setting priorities in isolation, we are responding directly to what our community has told us matters most and delivering on those priorities through a structured, transparent and accountable framework.”
The Community Pulse Survey will be an important opportunity for residents to have their say later this year, helping Council better understand local priorities, improve service delivery, and shape future programs across the Shire. Building on the initial Scorecard undertaken in 2024, which helped inform Our Plan for the Future, this next phase will ensure community feedback continues to guide Council performance and the delivery of services across the Bellingen Shire.
The adopted Operational Plan 2026–27, Long Term Financial Plan, Revenue Policy and Fees and Charges are available on Council’s website.