While local governments in Ballina, Byron and Lismore were yet to publicly consider impacts of the geopolitical oil crisis on the Northern Rivers, the Tweed Shire Council said last week budget adjustments may be needed.
Council staff were said to be closely monitoring the effect of oil-based products on council programs and services delivery.
Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green said via media release last week oil-based products such as bitumen, plant hire, haulage, quarry materials, poly pipe and other key construction products were at risk of increased costs.
‘This includes not just fuel price and supply, but also oil-based products such as bitumen, plant hire, haulage, quarry materials, poly pipe and other key construction products,’ Mr Green said.
‘Council may need to adjust what we can deliver in line with the budget we have available if these costs continue to increase,’ he said.
Tweed ratepayers spared fee increase
Mr Green said some respects of the council’s Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026-2027 and budget could now be considered aspirational.
But where other local governments in the region were already seeking rate increases, officially known as ‘variations’, ratepayers in the Tweed were to be spared the pressure.
Management wasn’t recommending a special rate variation or further increases to fees and charges, Mr Green said.
‘Where financial impacts occur, we will manage them through other measures – which may include deferring, rescoping or reprioritising some projects,’ he said.
‘Our focus is on minimising community disruption while remaining financially responsible.’
How to have your say on $430 million budget
The council was inviting public feedback on its long-term strategic plan, four-year delivery plan and how both would be resourced over the next financial year.
The official budget for the plans was $430 million, divided into three funds.
More than $300 million was allocated to a general fund, with remaining funds split almost evenly between a water fund and a sewer fund.
The following five related council documents were on public exhibition with submissions to close on 22 May:
- Draft Delivery Program 2025-2029 and Operational Plan 2026-2027
- Draft Resourcing Strategy 2025-2035
- Draft Budget 2026-2027
- Draft Revenue Policy and Statement 2026-2027
- Draft Fees and Charges 2026-2027
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