Update following AEC Financial Sustainability Forum

Published on 08 October 2026

Independent review confirms Council’s significant financial challenge

Yass Valley Councillors have received a sobering independent assessment of Council's financial position, identifying a significant gap between current revenue and the funding required to sustainably maintain services and infrastructure into the future.

Independent consultants AEC presented their Financial Sustainability Review to Councillors and the community on Wednesday, detailing Council's operating position, infrastructure and asset pressures, debt commitments and the efficiencies and savings already implemented.

AEC's modelling identified that Council would need to generate an additional $8.3 million annually from operations by 2027–28 to maintain its financial and infrastructure position. If that entire gap were addressed through rate revenue, the modelling indicates a significant increase of over 50% above the expected rate peg would be required.

Council has not made a decision to increase rates or apply for a Special Rate Variation.

Councillors have a week to consider the review findings before an Extraordinary Council Meeting next Wednesday 14 October, where they will determine whether to proceed to detailed community education and engagement about the financial challenge and potential actions.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Gayleen Burley confirmed that the findings were confronting and revealed there were no easy answers.

“We now have a much clearer understanding of the scale of the challenge we need to address. Council has already made operational savings and improved efficiencies and that work will continue. But the independent analysis tells us that these steps alone will not close the gap while addressing our infrastructure needs, maintaining services and meeting our debt commitments,” said Ms Burley.

“Councillors have not made a decision about a Special Rate Variation. Next week they will determine whether to commence community engagement to share this detailed picture, explain the options and hear from our community before further decisions are made.”

Council’s website will provide access to the business paper ahead of next week’s Extraordinary Meeting, along with links to register to speak at the Public Forum.