Proposed SRV
Learn about the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV), its potential impact on Albury's services, infrastructure and future growth, and how community feedback helps inform the process.
As part of our consultation on the proposed Special Rate Variation (SRV), we've been meeting with community members at information sessions across the city. We appreciate the many questions, comments and conversations we've had during this process.
Council has resolved to defer a decision on the Special Rate Variation (SRV) until the 2027/28 budget process with a view to including a review of the Council’s financial position and the need for an SRV.
That Council
Defer consideration of an SRV and review Council's financial position, and the need for an SRV, in April/May 2027 as part of the preparation of the 2027/28 Operational Plan and Budget and the review of Council's Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents.
Directs the CEO to prepare a comprehensive report to be presented to Council no later than the first Council meeting of March 2027. This report to include, but not be limited to: \
The cause of the discrepancy in Council’s deficit in the Budget papers presented to Council for the 2025/2026 financial year and the much higher figure revealed to Councillors shortly after the budget papers.
The causes of any underlying deficits and discrepancies between the Budget papers since 2012 and the cash position in each budget year since 2012.
Any instances of budget savings being planned for and those savings not being achieved in budgets since 2012.
What concerns, if any were raised by Councils Audit Risk and Improvement Committee since 2012 and the date any concerns were raised.
This report to be made public.
That Council directs the CEO to prepare a comprehensive report no later than the first Council meeting of March 2027 to identify what measures would need to be taken and what reduction in services would have to occur in order for Council to return to a budget neutral position over the following 5 years without the introduction of an SRV.
The decision means Council will bring back reports to Council with a continual focus on:
Delivering savings and efficiency improvements.
Reviewing community services and expenditure on non-core activities.
Maintaining essential infrastructure.
Managing borrowing and debt levels responsibly.
Strengthening Council's long-term financial sustainability.
Like many councils across NSW, AlburyCity continues to face rising costs associated with service delivery, infrastructure maintenance and asset renewal.
Council's Financial Sustainability Program will continue, with ongoing work to identify efficiencies, improve productivity and ensure community funds are used responsibly.
Future reviews of Council's financial position, Long Term Financial Plan and service priorities will help inform how these challenges are addressed over time.
What We've Already Done
Before considering an SRV, Council implemented a range of financial sustainability measures including savings initiatives, expenditure controls and efficiency improvements.
Since July 2025, Council's Financial Sustainability Program has delivered more than $2.4 million in realised financial benefits, with further initiatives underway. Council's draft 2025/26 financial results show a significant improvement in the General Fund operating position, with a reduction in materials and services expenditure by $8.1 million and increased revenue from user charges and fees by $6.7 million. This work will continue.
However, Council's financial modelling identifies an annual funding shortfall of approximately $16.5 million after planned asset renewals and debt repayments.
Without additional revenue, Council will need to fund this gap through additional borrowing or make difficult decisions about service levels, infrastructure renewal and future spending priorities.
This will be informed by community engagement activities including the What’s Important To You consultation in 2025/26. Read more about those findings here.
