Published on Tuesday, 31 March 2026 at 10:00:00 AM
Here is a message to the community from Vivienne MacCarthy, Shire President - these updates are also featured in the Shire Connect section of the Preston Press, where we keep you informed on the latest Council news
As we move closer to finalising the 2026-2027 Budget, I want to take a moment to recognise and thank Shire staff, Council and our community for the progress we have achieved together. This momentum has been built through collaboration, discipline and a shared commitment to strengthening the long‑term financial sustainability of our Shire.
Our story is a positive one. It shows what is possible when we balance the needs of today with our responsibility to future generations.
Why This Work Matters & Our Progress
Following our return to a full Council in 2023, we commenced the annual budget process for the 2024-2025 financial year. It was during these preparations that we were presented with a sobering figure: a 26% gap in the Shire’s long-term asset management and renewal funding. This meant that, without change, our ability to sustainably maintain assets and services into the future was at risk.
In response, Council has maintained a commitment to forging a sustainable pathway forward while retaining the flexibility to respond to changing circumstances, guided by the Shire’s Long‑Term Financial Plan (LTFP). This critical document projects our financial commitments over the next 10-15 years and informs the annual budget process. It identifies a clear and financially sustainable pathway for managing assets, service delivery and future infrastructure needs without locking the Shire into future financial decisions.
This long-term planning is now translating into action. In the 2025-2026 Budget, $2.18m was allocated to asset renewal, demonstrating tangible progress in closing the gap.
The LTFP also confirms that, heading into the 2026-2027 Budget, the Shire’s rate yield requirement is projected to be 6.7% below sustainable levels. This is a significant improvement on the 26% funding gap we faced just two years ago.
How We’re Delivering Results
This progress has not come easily. Council has used a range of strategies to address the challenge while continuing to deliver positive outcomes for our community. One key focus has been securing external grant funding to reduce pressure on Council and ratepayers. This has enabled important projects to proceed, including:
- Donnybrook Recreation Centre changeroom upgrades
- Renovations to Brookhampton Hall
- A new fire station for the Argyle Irishtown Bush Fire Brigade
By securing grant funding, these projects have required minimal direct funding from Council.
At the same time, we have had to make a number of difficult but necessary decisions to strengthen the Shire’s financial position, including:
- Reductions to community grants and donations
- A full review of tourism and economic development expenditure
- Adjustments to the Shire’s Workforce Plan
- Disciplined decision‑making to avoid additional capital projects
- Ongoing asset rationalisation through the Asset Optimisation Project
While challenging, these steps have been vital to restoring a stronger financial foundation.
Moving Forward, Together
I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made. It reflects what can be achieved when we take a long‑term view, make disciplined decisions and work together in the best interests of our whole community. If we maintain this momentum, our Shire’s future is bright, stable and sustainable.
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