Bellingen Shire Council has formally adopted Our Plan for the Future 2025–2035 – a single, consolidated strategic plan designed to guide Council and the community’s commitments over the next 10 years.
The new plan marks the culmination of a comprehensive review of Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) documents following the 2024 local government elections. It replaces the former standalone Community Vision 2035 and incorporates both the Delivery Program and Operational Plan into one accessible and cohesive document.
“This is an important step forward for Council and the community,” said Mayor Cr. Steve Allan.
“Our Plan for the Future sets out a clear vision, with measurable goals and a transparent approach to how we’ll deliver against community priorities year-by-year.”
The plan was developed through an extensive engagement and consultation process, including:
This input shaped a unified plan that:
Our Plan for the Future 2025–2035 reflects the collective aspirations, values and ideas of the Bellingen Shire community. It is grounded in the voices of our residents. As a community-led plan, it recognises that responsibility for achieving the long-term vision rests with all of us, Council, other levels of government, businesses, local organisations and residents alike.
Where the Funds Will Come From
The revised Operational Plan, which now forms part of the Integrated Strategic Plan, outlines how Council plans to deliver key actions over the next 12 months.
Council anticipates raising $76.3 million in revenue across the 2025–2026 financial year, drawn from various sources:
Where the Funds Will Go
During the upcoming financial year, Council anticipates spending $95.6 million on maintaining and renewing assets and delivering services, with key investment areas including:
“The revised Operational Plan brings greater clarity to how Council will deliver on its commitments in the year ahead,” said Mark Griffioen, Bellingen Shire Council General Manager.
“With $76.3 million in revenue and a projected investment of $95.6 million into essential services and infrastructure, this year’s budget reflects our ongoing focus on transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Every dollar has been carefully allocated to ensure we are not only meeting today’s service needs but also investing in the future of our Shire.”
The Plan will continue to be reviewed each financial year to include the revised Operational Plan and Delivery Program.
A Community-Driven Plan for the Future
The Plan was publicly exhibited from 22 April to 23 May 2025, and feedback received during that period has been incorporated into the final version.
Council acknowledges the valuable contributions of the community throughout this entire process – dating back to the Community Scorecard consultation in 2024 – and thanks all who participated.
Mayor Allan added: “Our Plan for the Future reflects what matters most to our residents and provides a roadmap to delivering outcomes in partnership with all sectors – residents, businesses, service providers, and all levels of government.”
“Our vision for Bellingen Shire is to be connected, sustainable and creative—a welcoming, inclusive community that celebrates cultural diversity, lives sustainably for future generations, and thrives as a dynamic and inventive community. We look forward to working with our community to turn this shared vision into reality.”