Richmond Valley Council’s Draft Operational Plan 2026-2027 is now before the public, and Council say it “sets out a strong program of investment in essential infrastructure, housing activation, and community services, while carefully balancing the financial pressures facing households and councils”.
In a media release, Council say, “The Draft Operational Plan includes more than $52 million in capital works projects including roads and sewerage improvements, while still providing for essential services and ensuring Council remains financially sound”.
Council General Manager (GM) Vaughan Macdonald said the draft budget had been developed during a particularly challenging economic period, with rising fuel costs, supply chain pressures and inflation continuing to impact councils across regional Australia.
Mr Macdonald said despite these pressures, Council remained focused on delivering the infrastructure and services needed to support Richmond Valley’s growing communities and local economy.
“This Operational Plan is about continuing to deliver the projects and services our community needs, while planning responsibly for the future,” Mr Macdonald said.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve made significant progress on major priorities, including ongoing disaster recovery works, planning for major water and sewer upgrades, improvements to sporting and recreation facilities and activation of the Regional Job Precinct.
“The coming year will build on that momentum, with more infrastructure projects moving into delivery and continued investment in roads, drainage, community facilities and essential services.”
Mr Macdonald said the Operational Plan reflected Council’s commitment to long-term sustainability, while continuing to advocate strongly for external funding support to help activate housing and infrastructure projects.
He said rising operational costs continued to place pressure on councils across the state, particularly regional councils with smaller rate bases and growing infrastructure responsibilities.
“Increasing fuel costs alone are projected to add more than $1 million to Council’s operational expenses this year, alongside continued increases in construction materials, utilities and supplier costs,” Mr Macdonald said.
“We know households and businesses are also facing challenges with rising living costs, and Council has worked hard to strike the right balance between maintaining services, progressing major projects and managing costs responsibly.
“Council continues to review all areas of the business to improve efficiency and ensure we can continue delivering value for money.”
“The Draft Operational Plan reflects the priorities identified in Council’s Community Strategic Plan and focuses on maintaining and improving the infrastructure and services that support everyday life across the Richmond Valley.
“Highlights of the 2026-2027 Operational Plan include:
- Sewage Treatment Plant works at Casino and Evans Head $20 million
• Casino Water Treatment Plant upgrade $4.8 million
• Disaster recovery works $7.1 million
• Property and economic development projects $3.3 million
• Stratheden Road upgrade $1.5 million
• Sewer pump station renewals $1.1 million
• Rural reseal program $900,000
• Broadwater-Evans Head Road upgrades $691,000
• Stormwater drainage improvements across the Richmond Valley $660,000
• Water main replacements $602,000
• Urban reseal program $567,000
• Completion of the Rappville Sewerage Scheme
• Finalisation of the Richmond Valley Flood Risk Management Plan
• Completion of the new Woodburn clubhouse and Woodburn Oval improvements
• Further upgrades at Stan Payne Oval
• Roll-out of a new mobile library vehicle for rural communities
• Continued delivery of Council’s Youth Employment Scheme
• Ongoing implementation of the Sustainable Communities Strategy
• Continued delivery of major community events, including the 2026 Casino Truck Show
“The Draft Operational Plan 2026-2027 (including Draft Financial Estimates 2026-2030), Draft Revenue Policy 2026-2027 and Draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2026-2036 will be placed on public exhibition on Council’s website for 28 days.
“Community members will be invited to provide submissions before the documents return to Council for final consideration and adoption at the 30 June Council meeting.
Visit https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au to see the draft plans.
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