Council's financial reports for July 2025 reveal strong fiscal management with total investments of $41,412,609.05 and effective cash flow management despite seasonal variations.

During Carrathool Shire's recent August meeting of Council, a strong financial position was detailed.

Council's main account processed $3,448,220.51 in receipts during July, including $1,800,000 in recalled investments and $1,087,363.84 in rates and debtor collections.

Total payments reached $3,449,458.25, primarily covering creditor payments of $2,004,932.81 and wages of $663,488.64.

The month concluded with a cashbook balance of $239,045.07, closely aligned with bank statement totals after accounting for $150 in unpresented cheques.

Investment Portfolio Performance: Total investments decreased by $1,126,510.84 from the previous month, comprising $39,268,599.23 in Invested Bank Deposits (IBDs) and $2,144,009.82 in on-call funds.

IBDs are held across major banks including CBA, Bendigo, Westpac, and NAB with interest rates ranging from 3.40 per cent to 4.60 per cent.

Investment maturities span from August 2025 to January 2026, providing flexibility for Council operations whilst maintaining competitive returns.

Compliance and Policy Adherence: All investments comply with Local Government Act requirements and Council's Investment Policy 019. However, the report identified limited portfolio diversification as a potential risk factor requiring attention.

The investment portfolio provides crucial funding for Operational Plan projects whilst maintaining the financial sustainability necessary for long-term community service delivery.