Consultants Appointed to Develop Financial Sustainability Strategy

Council has appointed Ernst & Young Parthenon (EY) to develop the ‘Financial Sustainability Strategy: Beyond 2026’ following a tender process. 

At the 18 February 2026 Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to appoint an independent consultant to undertake a body of work to develop a range of options for the organisation to inform Council’s proposed Financial Sustainability Strategy: Beyond 2026.  

The consultants at EY will provide valuable specialist assistance to Council. Their work will deliver technical input for the overarching Financial Sustainability Strategy, including conducting community engagement on proposed options.  

EY will work with Council in coming weeks to:  

• Understand Council’s current financial position in the context of long-term financial sustainability, 

• Assess internal and external work undertaken in relation to Council’s financial sustainability, 

• Identify and assess the mechanisms available to Council to improve long term financial sustainability, including, but not limited to, a potential special rate variation, 

• Undertake scenario modelling and sensitivity testing of mechanisms available to Council, and 

• Provide recommendations to Council, based on their findings, on all available and realistic options to achieve long-term financial sustainability.  

Engaging EY as independent experts will give Council clear, evidence-based advice to assist in identifying sustainable service delivery approaches and achieve long-term financial outcomes for the organisation and the Bathurst community. This work is about safeguarding our long‑term sustainability. 

Regular project updates will continue to be provided to the community through monthly Council meetings. 

Media contact: Genevieve Green Media and Communications Officer 

P: 02 6333 6179 M: 0448 685 340 E: genevieve.green@bathurst.nsw.gov.au