Community Invited to Discuss Council’s Financial Challenges Kioloa Community Hall 30/09 10:00AM -11:00AM

Click here for more information and to REGISTER

Residents are invited to attend an important and timely community conversation about the financial challenges facing the city and the difficult decisions that lie ahead.

The upcoming sessions, The Future of Shoalhaven: Let’s Talk Finances, will be presented by CEO Andrew Constance and members of the leadership team to provide a candid and transparent overview of Council’s financial position, the factors contributing to growing financial pressures, and the potential implications for services, infrastructure and future projects.

The community meetings come as Council prepares to update its Long-Term Financial Plan, which will be presented to Councillors next month.

“Shoalhaven is facing the same financial pressures being experienced by councils across Australia, but we also have unique local challenges, including an ageing asset base, high volume of natural disasters and emergencies and extensive road network,” Mr Constance said.

“Council informed the community of its $280 million backlog in roads renewal infrastructure in 2024. At the current rate of investment, this backlog continues to grow and the current forecast, required investment to bring roads up to an acceptable standard is more than $800 million in the next 10 years,” he said.

“While Council has worked hard to improve its financial position, including reducing its annual operating deficit by more than $10 million over recent years through difficult decisions made by Councillors and staff, the data is telling us we cannot continue with business as usual.

“We appreciate this invitation comes at short notice, but it is essential that we engage with our community now as we develop a financial roadmap for Shoalhaven’s future. The decisions we make today will have a significant impact on the services, infrastructure and facilities our community relies on.

“These are not easy conversations and finding long-term solutions will require honesty, collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring Shoalhaven remains a strong and resilient community for future generations,” he said.

Twelve public meetings have been scheduled for locations across the Shoalhaven from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October, to provide residents with the opportunity to ask questions, gain a deeper understanding of Council’s financial position and contribute ideas that can help inform future decision-making.