Fast forward a year down the track and the council has just endorsed a revised Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) its general manager Michael Forsyth believes meets all Fit for the Future benchmarks.

“In October 2015, the IPART determined Council did not meet four of the seven financial benchmarks it had set for councils,’’ Mr Forsyth said.

“I’m pleased to say that this revised LTFP meets all the benchmarks set down by IPART.

“Importantly for our community, this plan gives Council greater financial sustainability, ensuring we can deliver quality services in the long term.’’

Mr Forsyth said the council has embarked on an improvement strategy, which will underpin the revised LTFP.

Key aspects of this strategy include a review of depreciation, a substantial review of assets and a review of fees and charges.

The council is also planning a financial audit of classification of expenditure to ensure capital renewals and maintenance are appropriately accounted.

It also involves a joint procurement with the Illawarra Pilot Joint Organisation and the council commencing a business process and internal efficiencies improvement program.

Mr Forsyth said providing a new LTFP and embarking on the necessary improvements that it requires is important to satisfy the NSW Government that Kiama Council can properly handle the responsibilities of supporting its community in the long term.

“It is also important as it demonstrates to our community, that the faith, belief and support that was shown during the merger proposal period was justified and warranted,’’ he said.

The new LTFP will be submitted to the NSW Office of Local Government for reassessment by November 30.