Financial Sustainability Review

Leeton Shire Council has engaged the services of Professor Joseph Drew from the University of Newcastle to conduct an independent and comprehensive review of Council’s financial position.

This significant step in Leeton Shire’s financial sustainability journey aims to provide a clear and accurate assessment of Council’s finances. Should the review find that Council is not financially viable, a second stage would be initiated later in the year. This stage would involve an extensive consultation process with the community, led by Councillors and Professor Drew, to explore cost-saving measures and potential service reductions as well as an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a special rate variation (only if required).

Professor Joseph Drew is a leading scholar in local government finance, currently serving as Professor of Local Government Economics at the University of Newcastle's Institute for Regional Futures. He has an extensive academic background, including qualifications as an accountant, economist, natural law philosopher, and mathematician. Professor Drew has published numerous books and articles in top-tier journals and has consulted for various governments and organisations both in Australia and internationally.

Professor Drew visited Leeton from Monday, 14 April, to Thursday, 17 April. During his visit, he met with staff, Councillors and the community to gain a thorough understanding of Council’s assets, operations, and financial management. A comprehensive report will be prepared with the support of Professors Yunji Kim and Dr Masato Miyazaki and will be presented at the June Ordinary Council Meeting for the public’s consideration.

To keep the community up-to-date on Professor Drew's review and findings, regular video updates will be shared on Council's website, social media and in print media.