Carrathool Shire Council has received a clean bill of financial health, adopting its 2024/25 Annual Report and receiving an unqualified audit opinion.

External auditor Brad Bohun presented the audit findings to the meeting, describing the Council as being at the "leading edge of the class" regarding its financial state. He noted that the Council holds sufficient liquidity to cover more than 12 months of expenditure without income, placing it in a strong position compared to other councils in New South Wales.

Budget Surplus and Efficiencies The meeting also saw the approval of the First Quarter Budget Review for 2025/26. The review indicates a projected net operating surplus before capital of $4.836 million, an improvement on the original budget.

In the infrastructure sector, Council reported significant efficiencies in recent road projects. The construction of a 4km section of The Springs Road (MR368) was completed with an additional 0.5km of work achieved within the original budget. Efficiencies were gained through reduced haulage times and optimised use of construction plant. The Director of Infrastructure Services noted that the project finished with approximately $130,000 remaining in the budget, proving that new efficiency standards and targets are working.

Council resolved to support Griffith City Council in its advocacy regarding governance issues at the Murrumbidgee Local Health District and will write to the Health Minister requesting inclusion in future meetings.

A resident's request for a footpath on Moore Street, Hillston, to improve safety for schoolchildren was noted. Council decided to defer the request to the 2026/27 budget process to allow for proper costing.