Planning for the future

AlburyCity’s Draft 2026–27 Budget, Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2026–2030, Draft Long-Term Financial Plan, and Draft Financial Assistance Program outline the services we deliver, the projects we plan to undertake, and how we fund them.

These plans focus on supporting our growing community while responding to rising costs and increasing demand for infrastructure.

As part of this work, Council is considering a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV) to support essential infrastructure and long-term financial sustainability. Any consideration of an SRV will occur after the current budget documentation is finalised and will be explored with the community through dedicated engagement activities in the coming months.

Your feedback on this draft budget will help inform that work.

What this is about

This consultation focuses on:

Draft Budget, Delivery Program and Financial Plans

This includes:

  • Draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2026–2030
  • Draft 2026–27 Budget
  • Draft Long-Term Financial Plan
  • Draft Financial Assistance Program

Together, these documents outline:

  • What we deliver for the community
  • What we plan to invest in over the next four years
  • How we fund services, infrastructure and community support
  • How we plan for long-term financial sustainability

These plans guide how we deliver on the community’s vision outlined in Towards Albury 2050.

Why your feedback matters

AlburyCity, like many councils across NSW, is balancing:

  • Rising costs across services and infrastructure
  • Increasing demand from a growing population
  • Limited revenue growth due to rate caps

While the draft budget shows early signs of financial improvement, long-term sustainability remains a challenge.

Your feedback will help Council:

  • Understand community priorities
  • Inform decisions on services and projects
  • Balance affordability with maintaining service levels

Key highlights

The Draft Delivery Program includes significant infrastructure to support growth and future demand, particularly in water and wastewater systems.

These projects are essential to:

  • Public health
  • Housing and development
  • Long-term service capacity

The draft program includes a range of major projects, including:

  • Waterview Wastewater Treatment Plant (Stage Two)
  • Sewer and water infrastructure upgrades
  • Thurgoona Link Road
  • Albury Entertainment Centre Convention Wing redevelopment
  • Albury Animal Care Centre redevelopment
  • Oddies Creek Park Play Space - Splash Park

  • Financial position

    • The budget shows early signs of stabilisation
    • The General Fund is improving but remains in a structural deficit
    • Debt is expected to increase to support major infrastructure
    • Financial risks remain if no further action is taken

  • Rates and charges

    • Proposed rate increase: 3.6% (in line with the rate peg)
    • Around $1.04 per week for the average household (rates only)

    Additional changes include:

    • Water and wastewater charges increasing by 8%
    • Fees and charges increasing by around 5%
    • Domestic waste charge proposed at $388 per year

  • Special Rate Variation (SRV)

    Council is reviewing a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV).

    An SRV is an increase to rates above the annual rate peg and would:

    • Help fund essential asset renewal
    • Reduce reliance on borrowing
    • Support long-term financial sustainability

    No decision has been made.

    A separate community consultation will take place in the coming months to explain the proposal and seek feedback before any decision is made.

Draft Financial Assistance Program

The Draft Financial Assistance Program forms part of the overall draft budget and outlines how Council supports local organisations through funding, in-kind support and loans.

This approach ensures Council can continue supporting the community while working toward a more sustainable financial position.

The draft 2026–27 Budget reflects a more targeted approach due to current financial constraints.

  • Total proposed funding: $1.3 million
  • Down from $4.7 million in 2025–26
  • Most discretionary grant programs are paused for this year
  • Focus on essential, high-impact and pre-approved commitments
  • Greater use of:
    • In-kind support
    • Interest-free loans
  • Community Infrastructure Fund (projects, loans and in-kind support)
  • Community Organisation Support (limited to key regional organisations)


Make a submission to share your feedback

We welcome your feedback on the DRAFT Budget 2026/27. Submissions will be received until Friday 22 May 2026 and can be submitted via the form below or addressed to:

Strategy and Performance
PO Box 323
Albury, NSW 2640

or email us at:

info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au

Submissions are not confidential. Submissions, summaries of submissions, and/or names and addresses of people making submissions may be included in publicly available reports to Council and Council's website.

Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.




Share your thoughts in person

If you’d prefer to speak with a Council Officer about the Draft 2026-27 Budget and Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2026-2030, please contact our Customer Service Centre on 02 6023 8111 to arrange a suitable time.

Contact Us

Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:

Contact Information
Name Strategy and Performance
Phone 02 6023 8111
Email info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au
In writing

Strategy and Performance
PO Box 323
Albury, NSW 2640

FAQ's