ERCs Annual Report Highlights a Year of Community Impact
Published on 04 December 2024
Edward River Council (ERC) is pleased to announce the release of its 2023-2024 Annual Report, demonstrating the organisation’s continued commitment to delivering positive outcomes for the Edward River region.
The Annual Report and Financial Statements are key publications that promote transparency and celebrate achievements, big and small, over the past financial year.
Endorsed at November’s Ordinary Council Meeting, the report highlights what has been accomplished, ongoing projects, and how ERC is making Edward River a better place to live, work, and visit.
The Annual 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: A new space for our youth to enjoy and express their creativity.
• Development of a Disability Inclusion Action Plan: Ensuring our community is inclusive and accessible.
• Strong advocacy on the Australian Government’s 450GL water buyback: Representing our community’s interests effectively.
• 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: Enhancing transparency and efficiency in our operations.
• Completion of Stage 1 of the Edward River Village: A significant step forward in our vision for a thriving, connected community.
• Transition from a 1-bin to 3-bin waste management system: fostering a more engaged and environmentally conscious community.
• Significant strides made with the development of the Edward River Growth Strategy 2050: shaped by extensive community consultation.
Financially, ERC ended the year in good shape. For the 2023-24 financial year Council recorded an audited net operating surplus of $16.2m inclusive of capital grants compared to a $599k budgeted deficit.
This is the fourth consecutive year that ERC has reported an audited surplus.
Council is in strong liquid position with $42.7m in cash and investments, of which $7.3m is freely available to council to use.
Council continues to maintain a strong Balance Sheet, although net assets decreased by $3.4m from $536.8m in 2022-23 to $533.7m in 2023-24.
Improvements were recorded in all but one of the Office of Local Government benchmark ratios for 2023-24.
Council received an unqualified audit report by the Auditor General NSW and is in a sound financial position.
Edward River Council Chief Executive Officer, Gary Arnold expressed his satisfaction with Council’s 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,” “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,” Mr Arnold said.
Edward River Council’s Annual Report for 2022/23 can be accessed on Council’s website: https://www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/Council-Publications/Reports.
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Media Enquiries:
Phone: Yvette Height 0439 314 408
Email: communications@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au