Council launches ‘Have Your Say’ engagement campaign Future Federation

Published on 30 April 2025

Federation Council is calling on all residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their community through the ‘Have Your Say: This is Future Federation 2025-2026’ campaign, launching this May. This crucial engagement period provides an opportunity for residents to review and provide feedback on key strategic documents that will guide Council's direction for the coming year and beyond.

The documents open for community consultation from Wednesday, April 30th to 5pm on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, include the Draft ‘This is Future Federation’ Delivery Program / Operational Plan and Budget 2025-2026, the Draft Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) 2025-2035, and the Draft Revenue Policy 2025-2026.

Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook, emphasized the importance of community involvement.

“This is a pivotal moment for our Council and our community," Mayor Cook said.

“The 'Have Your Say' This is Future Federation 2025-2026 campaign is a direct invitation for everyone to contribute their insights and priorities into the plans that will shape our future. We want to hear from you on everything - from the services you rely on daily to the long-term aspirational projects for our region. Your feedback is invaluable in ensuring we are making decisions that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the Federation Council area."

The Draft Delivery Program outlines the specific actions Council will undertake in the next year to achieve the community's long-term goals, detailing projects, programs, and activities across various sectors. The Draft Long Term Financial Plan provides a ten-year outlook on Council's financial sustainability, while the Draft Revenue Policy explains how Council generates the necessary income to deliver these essential services and projects.

Federation Council General Manager, Adrian Butler highlighted the significance of this engagement.

"Council is deeply committed to transparency and working collaboratively with our community," Mr Butler said.

"This engagement opportunity provides multiple avenues for residents to get informed and contribute their feedback on these vital strategic documents. Your input will play a crucial role in helping us prioritize our resources and ensure we are delivering services and projects that make a real difference in the lives of our residents. We encourage everyone to take the time to get involved and help us build a strong and sustainable future for the Federation Council area."

Residents can participate in the engagement campaign through various channels and in person engagement:

Review Online & Submit Feedback: Access the draft plans and complete the online submission form from Wednesday, April 30th here.
Email Us: Share your thoughts directly via email to council@federationcouncil.nsw.gov.au.
Visit Our Offices: Pick up a feedback form from Wednesday, April 30th at Council offices in Corowa, Howlong, Mulwala, and Urana.
Mail Your Feedback: Send written submissions to PO Box 77, Corowa, NSW, 2646 (submissions close 5pm, May 29th).
Book a One-on-One Meeting: Discuss the plans with Council’s Senior Executive team by calling (02) 6033 8999 between April 30th and May 29th.
Attend Drop-In Information Sessions: Chat with Council Staff and Councillors at sessions in Corowa (May 12th), Howlong (May 14th), Mulwala (May 19th), and Urana (May 21st).
Join Community & Councillor Conversations: Share your thoughts directly with Councillors at informal sessions in Corowa and Howlong (May 26th), and Mulwala and Urana (May 28th).

The draft plans include details on major projects proposed for the 2025/2026 financial year, such as:

Implement a $11.6 million Capital Works renewal and improvement program for roads, bridges, footpaths (subject to Special Rate Variation (SRV) outcome, baseline scenario provides a $8.8 million program). Major renewal works include:

- Boat Rock Road, Savernake (subject to SRV)

- Kooringal Road, Balldale (subject to SRV)

- Redlands Road, Corowa

- Federation Way

- Morundah – Coleambally Road.

Prepare Asset Management Plan for roads, bridges and footpaths, including a review of road hierarchies.
Develop a Stormwater Drainage Strategy for urban areas.
Implement a $0.4 million Capital Works improvement program for drainage (subject to SRV, baseline scenario provides a $0.06 million program).
Finalise Water and Sewer Strategic Plans, develop implementation plans and commence implementation.
Update the Economic Development Strategy.
Finalise and implement improvements from the Corowa Aerodrome Service Review.
Secure long term investment and operation of Ball Park Caravan Park.
Develop a 5-year business management plan for Corowa Saleyards.
Investigate opportunities to expand Urana Caravan Park.
Progress actions from the Waste Management Strategy Implementation Plan.
Undertake flood recovery activities as funded through Severe Weather Funding, Disaster Recovery Funding and insurance.
Prepare Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala Flood Risk Management Study and Plan.
Implement the updated Ageing Well Strategy.
Finalise and implement the new Youth Strategy.
Implement the Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Finalise a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for the Federation Council area.
Develop and implement a management framework to support the valued work of volunteers.
Implement a Financial Improvement Plan to improve financial sustainability.
Implement Asset Management Improvement Plan.
Implement the new Community Engagement Strategy.

Community feedback received during this engagement period will be carefully considered by Council before the finalisation and adoption of these key strategic documents. View the draft plans online and complete an online submission form from Council's website.