Community Survey Provides Early Insights into Financial Sustainability
Published on 22 June 2026
Temora Shire Council has released the results of its Early Insights Survey, providing an initial snapshot of community views as Council begins the first phase of engagement on its long-term financial sustainability.
The survey, conducted between 15 May and 1 June 2026, received 269 responses and forms part of Council's Securing Our Future: Financial Sustainability and Special Rate Variation Community Engagement Plan. The survey was designed to build community awareness of Council's financial challenges and gather early feedback before any decisions are made about a potential Special Rate Variation (SRV).
Mayor Rick Firman OAM said the survey was an important first step in ensuring our shire community has the opportunity to be involved from the beginning.
"Council has not made a decision to apply for a Special Rate Variation," Mayor Firman said.
"What we've committed to is having an open and transparent conversation with our shire community about Council's financial position, the challenges we're facing and the options that may be available in the future."
The survey found there is strong community recognition of the importance of maintaining essential services and infrastructure, with 94 per cent of respondents agreeing that long-term financial sustainability is important.
While the survey showed broad support for protecting services into the future, it also highlighted varying levels of awareness about Council's current financial position and how Special Rate Variations work.
Mayor Firman said the survey results reinforce the value of Council's staged engagement approach.
"From the outset, Councillors and Staff have been committed to taking our shire community on this journey with us."
"Each stage of the engagement process has been deliberately designed to reflect where Council is in its decision-making, ensuring our residents and stakeholders receive the right information at the right time and have meaningful opportunities to provide feedback before any decisions are made."
"The feedback from our Early Insights Survey has given Council valuable direction on the information our shire community wants to know more about and is already helping shape the next phase of our engagement with a focus on the topics residents told us matter most as we continue the conversation."
The survey also found residents generally preferred a balanced approach to improving Council's long-term financial sustainability rather than relying on a single solution. Respondents indicated any future approach should consider a combination of internal efficiencies, service level adjustments, user charges and rate-related options.
When asked how they would like to receive information and provide feedback, respondents showed a strong preference for digital communication through Council's website and Facebook page, supported by email, local newspapers and community meetings.
The Early Insights Survey represents the first phase of Council's broader engagement plan. The findings will help inform any future consultation should Council decide to proceed.
Council will consider the draft Long-Term Financial Plan at its July meeting, where it will also determine whether to progress to the next phase of formal community consultation on a potential Special Rate Variation. Councillors and Staff will continue to keep the Temora Shire community informed, provide clear and factual information, and create meaningful opportunities for residents and stakeholders to have their say.
“This is a significant piece of work, and we're committed to working through it in a way that's open, transparent and puts our community at the centre of the conversation.”
“I’m proud of the work we’re doing to address our long-term financial sustainability, and I want to reassure our community that we'll continue doing this work for the benefit of the shire community we all cherish,” Mayor Firman concluded.
The full Early Insights Survey report is available on Council's website. As Council progresses through each phase of the engagement process, the Financial Sustainability webpage will continue to be updated with the latest information, resources and engagement opportunities. Residents are also encouraged to follow Council's social media channels, where Council will continue to share updates, educational information and resources to help the community better understand the process and stay informed.
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Temora Shire Council Media Enquires
Corporate Communications Officer – Elise Hawthorn
E: communications@temora.nsw.gov.au
P: 6980 1127