Annual Report headlines November Council Meeting

Published on 20 November 2025

November Council Meeting 2025.jpg

The November Council Meeting agenda featured several items up for discussion with the 2024–25 Annual Report headlining discussions and showcasing operational achievements and progress toward financial sustainability.

Presentation of Annual Financial Statements

Auditors presented Kempsey Shire Council’s 2024–25 Financial Statements, confirming Council met all statutory obligations and received a clean, unqualified audit opinion. The audit covered compliance with accounting standards, legislation, internal controls, and included both financial and performance audits.

Councillors discussed financial performance, sustainability, grant funding, depreciation, and cash management.

You can view the presentation on the recording on of the Council Meeting.

2024–25 Annual Report

Council received the Annual Report, highlighting:

  • Completion of nearly 80% of Operational Plan actions despite major floods and organisational changes
  • Delivery of key projects: water and sewer upgrades, saleyards redevelopment, and community initiatives
  • Achievement of $2 million in operational savings and implementation of the special rate variation

The report is designed to reflect the quadruple bottom line across Social & Community, Economic, Environmental, and Civic Leadership.

It comprises:

  • Part A – Achievements and highlights
  • Part B – Legislative reporting obligations
  • Part C – Audited financial statements

A minor amendment was requested for Part A. The updated report will be published soon: Annual reports & publications

Corporate Performance Report – Quarter 1 2025–26

Council endorsed the Quarter 1 Corporate Performance Report, covering progress on implementing the Delivery Program 2025–29, Operational Plan 2025–26, and key financial reports including the Quarterly Budget Review, Financial Sustainability Program Status, and Grants Summary. This report provides transparency on Council’s performance against strategic objectives.

Draft Kempsey Development Control Plan

Council considered the Draft Development Control Plan (DCP), which will replace the 2013 plan and reflect updated legislation, environmental standards and planning practices.

Following debate, Council deferred the decision until December 2025 allow further consultation with stakeholders, including those who expressed interest during the initial consultation period and the First Nations Advisory Group, and to improve document accessibility and navigation.

Alcohol Prohibited Areas

Council endorsed amendments to Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APA) following community consultation. These areas include parks, sporting fields, and playgrounds under the Local Government Act 1993, empowering police to manage alcohol-related behaviour.

Changes include:

  • New areas added
  • Adjusted operating hours for consistency
  • All areas designated glass-free

Sporting clubs can request exemptions if they hold a liquor licence.

View the full list: Alcohol Prohibited Areas – Kempsey Shire Council

 

To view all items considered at the meeting, please see the November 2025 business papers at Council meeting agendas & minutes.  

This is a news update from Kempsey Shire Council. The information is correct at the time of publication.
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