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
Yass Valley's direction is set out in its Community Strategic Plan and a Delivery Program 2025–2029 with an annual Operational Plan and budget, shaped by growth in the Canberra commuter belt (Murrumbateman, Sutton, Gundaroo), water security, and the council's own financial sustainability.
The council manages local roads, water and sewer, waste, libraries, parks and planning across a large rural LGA of about 4,000 km² anchored by the town of Yass and a set of growing villages. Its Delivery Program is the elected council's statement of commitment for its term.
The council's 2023–24 accounts recorded an operating deficit, and its long-term financial plan forecasts continued deficits; in November 2025 councillors decided not to pursue a Special Rate Variation, so the Delivery Program is being delivered alongside a program of savings of around $3.5 million a year.
Underway now
Yass to Murrumbateman water pipeline & water security
Delivery Program 2025–2029A pipeline from Yass to Murrumbateman (about 17.9 km) to secure water supply for the growing Murrumbateman village, alongside a planned Yass Water Treatment Plant upgrade and water-quality improvements for Yass, Bowning, Binalong and Murrumbateman.
Financial sustainability & service review
From 2025–26With an operating deficit and long-term financial plan forecasting further deficits, and after councillors declined to pursue a Special Rate Variation in November 2025, the council is working to find around $3.5 million a year in savings, with a review of service levels flagged.
Planned / committed
Village & town growth planning
Yass Valley Settlement Strategy 2036Planning for growth in the Canberra-fringe villages (Murrumbateman, Sutton, Gundaroo) and Yass under the Yass Valley Settlement Strategy, including sewerage capacity and community facilities such as the Murrumbateman Recreation Ground.