‘Strong’ end of year result

The result was part of an unqualified audit report by the Auditor General NSW, and included in the recently released annual report.

The report also highlighted that council continues to maintain a strong balance sheet, with net assets increasing by $46.3 million from $536.8 million in 2022-23 to $586.3 million in 2023-24.

And it shows council is in a strong liquid position with $42.7 million in cash and investments, of which $7.3 million is freely available to council to use.

Paired with a list of completed and ongoing projects, council said the report’s finding demonstrates “the organisation’s continued commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the Edward River region”.

Council also noted improvements were recorded in all but one of the Office of Local Government benchmark ratios for 2023-24.

Council has met benchmarks for its ability to meet its obligations (current liabilities) using current assets, containing operating expenditure within operating revenue, availability of operating cash to service debts, rates and annual charges outstanding percentage and cash expenses ratio.

The only area below the ideal benchmark is regarding own source operating revenue ratios. The benchmark is 60 per cent or higher, and ERC’s result is 42.87 per cent.

Council’s interim CEO Gary Arnold expressed his satisfaction with the achievements, despite council facing challenges and significant change during the year.

“It’s gratifying to be able to bring ERC’s achievements to the forefront via the annual report, and to demonstrate the significant breadth of functions that council delivers,” he said.

“As the annual report highlights, ERC continues to operate effectively and with financial responsibility, building on its successes to create a sustainable, vibrant region.

“We are proud of what we’ve achieved, and we’re excited for the opportunities ahead.”

The annual report and financial statements are key publications that promote transparency and celebrate achievements, big and small, over the past financial year.

The report serves as a key point of accountability between the council and the community.

Some of the key accomplishments shared in the report include:

• Completion of the Deniliquin Skate Park;

• Development of a Disability Inclusion Action Plan;

• Strong advocacy on the Australian Government’s 450GL water buybacks scheme;

• Completion of a $5.5 million project to augment runway durability and lighting to enhance safety at Deniliquin Airport;

• Introduction of the Edward River Council Procurement Policy;

• Completion of stage one of the Edward River Village;

• Transition from a one bin to the three bin waste management system; and,

• Significant strides made with the development of the Edward River Growth Strategy 2050.

Edward River Council’s annual report can be accessed at www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Publications/Reports.