What the council is working on
Recent deliveries, what's underway now, and what's planned next — drawn from the council's own plans, budgets and project pages. We report what the council has publicly said it's doing; every item links to its source.
The council's stated direction
Edward River's direction is set out in its Community Strategic Plan 'Toward 2035', a Delivery Program 2025–2029 and an annual Operational Plan and Budget (2026–27 adopted 30 June 2026) — shaped over the past two years by rebuilding governance after a Performance Improvement Order, a long-range growth strategy for Deniliquin, and flood-mitigation work on the North Deniliquin levee.
The council manages local roads, water and sewer, waste, parks, the library, the swim centre, the Deniliquin saleyards and airport, and planning across a very large, sparsely settled southern Riverina LGA whose economy runs on irrigated agriculture — rice, cropping and livestock. Its Delivery Program is the elected council's statement of commitment for its term, resourced through a Long Term Financial Plan, asset management planning and workforce planning.
Council reported a $16.23M net operating result in 2023–24 on total income of $53.6M, driven by an unusually large year for operating grants and contributions ($25.2M, up from $13.4M) — the same factor that pushed its own-source revenue ratio down to 42.9%, below the OLG's 60% benchmark. It had no external borrowings at 30 June 2024. Long-term financial planning and a Financial Sustainability Review sit within its Resourcing Strategy.
Underway now
Edward River 2050 — Fast Track for Growth
25+ year growth strategy; strategy document publishedA long-range growth strategy for the LGA, described by Council as its response to the 'Our Region Your Say — Sefton's Report' and its call for place-based planning, stronger investment readiness and more proactive regional advocacy. The strategy sets out a coordinated approach to urban expansion, infill development and investment in health, education, housing, industry, recreation and arts and culture over the next 25 years or more, and is intended to direct residential, commercial and industrial expansion.
Source: Edward River Council — Edward River 2050 Fast Track for Growth
North Deniliquin levee upgrade
Survey and inspection phase from August 2026Council is preparing flood-mitigation improvements for Deniliquin by upgrading the North Deniliquin levee system, together with other flood-management works, to reduce flood risk to residential areas, infrastructure and community assets. Drone (UAV) surveys and visual inspections of the levee and adjoining property boundaries began from 3 August 2026, with letters sent to nearby property owners; inspectors carry photo ID and a letter.
Source: Have Your Say Edward River — North Deniliquin Levee Upgrade
Recently delivered
Performance Improvement Order completed
Order issued 22 July 2024; final compliance report February 2025; closed June 2025The NSW Minister for Local Government issued a Performance Improvement Order (PIO) to Edward River Council on 22 July 2024. Council submitted its third and final compliance report in February 2025, and the Minister confirmed the order would not be extended or varied. Council reports that it worked with Temporary Advisor Mr Mark Ferguson and interim leadership on the improvement plan, and appointed Mr Jack Bond as Chief Executive Officer in late 2024. The Office of Local Government continues to monitor the council's progress. The order itself is published on Council's website.
Source: Edward River Council — Emerges Stronger as Performance Order Concludes