Muswellbrook Shire Council has welcomed the latest Your Council report, which showed that the Council had excelled across a range of criteria including the Own Source Revenue indicator of financial health.
Mayor Jeff Drayton said Council’s strategic management and commitment to growth have led to the exceptional Own Source Revenue result of 64.3% of total revenue in the NSW Office of Local Government report, reflecting its success in managing its finances.
The result means Muswellbrook Shire Council ranks impressively among NSW regional councils, outperforming many of its peers in the key indicator, he said.
The Office of Local Government benchmark for Own Source Revenue is 60%.
“I want to congratulate both the elected Muswellbrook Shire Council and our excellent staff on this result, which we’ve achieved while meeting a set of challenges that virtually no other community faces in New South Wales,” said Mayor Drayton.
“Own Source Revenue can be as low as 20% for councils, or nearly 90%. Recording 64.3% is a balance we’ve hit without slugging our residents with measures like parking fees. It represents a sweet spot that says we’re in strong financial health and that builds the confidence for business and investment in the community.”
Muswellbrook Shire Council’s results in the latest Your Council report reflect:
• Own Source Revenue: Muswellbrook’s Own Source Revenue reached $59.7 million, an indicator of the Shire’s robust economic base and fiscal management – a remarkable result with a population base of fewer than 17,000 people.
• Revenue per capita: Muswellbrook’s revenue per capita is $2,168, among the highest for regional councils in NSW. This reflects Council’s service delivery and resource management, for a community where 51.8% of revenue is derived from local sources.
• Strategic Diversification: With a focus on mining, agriculture and local business development, Muswellbrook has generated a diverse investment climate.
• Efficiency and Sustainability: Council’s capital works and operational expenditure align with community needs, so revenue is effectively reinvested into local infrastructure and services.
Council General Manager, Derek Finnigan, welcomed Council’s strong showing in the report, particularly across the indicators of financial self-sufficiency.
“Among other comparable councils in NSW, these results show that Muswellbrook Shire is in a position of fiscal strength based on prudent financial management,” Mr Finnigan said.
“This position allows Council to implement key projects, maintain public services, and build a resilient economic future for our residents,” he said.
