2026-27 draft suite of Integrated Planning and Reporting documents

The Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework outlines how Council plans, delivers and reports on what matters to the community.

At the highest level is the Community Strategic Plan (CSP), which sets the community’s long‑term vision and priorities.

The Delivery Program (DP) is Council’s 4‑year plan that outlines how it will deliver the objectives of the CSP over the 4-year Council term, while the Operational Plan (OP) is an annual plan that details the specific actions, projects and budgets Council will deliver each year of the four‑year Delivery Program.

Together, these documents provide a clear line from community goals to day‑to‑day activities and annual outcomes.

The IP&R framework helps ensure transparency, accountability, and a clear link between community priorities, decision‑making, and day‑to‑day operations.

This public exhibition is for the 2026-27 Annual Operational Plan, which represents year 2 of 4 under our current 2025-29, 4-Year Delivery Program.

Reduction in Capital Budget

The draft Operational Plan was prepared and designed prior to emerging geopolitical and economic changes that required a reduction to the capital expenditure budget. Ahead of the April Council Meeting, the Chief Executive Officer provided Council with proposed capital budget reductions, which were also published on Council’s website with a copy of the correspondence available to view in the attached documents on this page.

Following consideration of this information, Council resolved to incorporate the revised capital program into the draft integrated planning and reporting documents. The documents now being placed on public exhibition reflect these approved budget reductions and represent the most current version of the plans.

The following documents form the draft 2026–27 Integrated Planning and Reporting suite:

2026-27 draft Operational Plan

Council’s annual Operational Plan outlines the projects, activities and budget commitments Council will deliver each year to implement the Delivery Program and progress the community’s long‑term objectives. Adopted annually, it includes performance measures to track progress and appendices detailing planned actions and capital works projects valued over $50,000.

2026-36 draft Long Term Financial Plan

Council’s Long‑Term Financial Plan provides a ten‑year outlook to support sustainable delivery of services, infrastructure and projects identified in Council’s strategic plans. It outlines projected financial performance and is updated annually to reflect changing assumptions, priorities and future needs.

2026-27 draft Revenue Policy

Council’s Revenue Policy explains how income is generated to fund community services, infrastructure and programs, outlining Council’s approach to rates, charges, fees and pricing. It supports the Operational Plan, aligns with key financial documents, and is reviewed annually to reflect changes in services, economic conditions and strategic priorities.

2026-27 draft Rates Maps

Council’s Rates Maps show how rates are applied across property and land categories and, together with key financial policies, support the funding of services and infrastructure in the Operational Plan. The maps are reviewed annually to reflect changes in property or rating structures.

2026-27 draft Fees and Charges

Council’s Fees and Charges set out the costs for services, programs and facilities, supporting sustainable service delivery, equitable community access, and long‑term financial planning. They underpin the Annual Operational Plan and are reviewed annually to reflect changes in cost, service delivery and regulatory requirements.

Understanding the IP&R suite of documents

Fact sheets

This year, Council has developed a range of fact sheets to try and help the community understand what is planned to be delivered across key areas in the draft 2026-27 Operational Plan. These can be found on the top right-hand side of the page, near the documents on exhibition.

IP&R public presentation

Council will hold a public presentation on the 2026–27 draft suite of IP&R documents on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, commencing at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers. Attendance at the presentation is by ticket only, with limited numbers.

Book a ticket to attend the presentation

Watch the presentation live stream here: https://youtube.com/live/E-oarimFMoA?feature=share

Making a submission

Council has placed the draft documents on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and invites the community to share their feedback. The draft documents can be viewed via the document links located on this page, with hard copies also available at the Customer Service Counter, 22 Tozer Street, Kempsey, and at Council libraries in Kempsey, South West Rocks and Stuarts Point.

Submissions on any of the draft documents may be made by completing the online survey (link below), including uploading any supporting attachments; by email to ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au; in person at the Customer Service Counter; or by mail to:

Chief Executive Officer
Kempsey Shire Council
PO Box 3078
West Kempsey NSW 2440

If you have any questions, please email KSC at engagement@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

The exhibition period for these documents is 28 day and closes, Monday 1 June 2026

Important Note: Submissions may be made publicly available. If no valid contact details are provided, then the submission is treated as anonymous, and no further acknowledgement or project update/s can be provided to the person making the submission.

For more information visit Council's website:
Integrated planning and reporting - Kempsey Shire Council working with the Macleay Valley community (External link)