Bold work change

Facing rising costs and growing demands, council believes the new schedule is a way to avoid asking ratepayers to dig deeper into their pockets.

Council employees will work their full weekly hours over four longer days, from Monday to Thursday, with council offices, depots and libraries closed on Fridays.

Essential services, including water and sewer operations, animal control, emergency callouts, early learning and childcare services, caravan parks and swimming pools, will continue to operate as normal.

It is expected to save the council at least $1 million, but will mean some council services are no longer available on Fridays.

Once in place, the shorter workweek will be in place for 15 months, with a review of the arrangement to take place after 12 months.

It will consider performance measures, a staff vote and a vote of elected councillors before any decision is made on whether the four day work week becomes permanent.

In a report to council, general manager John Scarce said the proposal received strong staff support and limited community opposition.

It comes as rural local governments face increasing operational costs while being required to deliver additional services and responsibilities from state and federal governments, often without corresponding funding increases.

The decision follows an extensive consultation process involving staff and the community.

A staff ballot conducted in March found 75 per cent of employees preferred a compressed Monday-to-Thursday work week.

Community consultation attracted a relatively low level of engagement.

Stage one resulted in 12 submissions, prompting council to undertake a broader second round of consultation, including surveys, media releases, community information sessions and targeted communications.

General Manager John Scarce said a combined 20 participants attended nine community drop-in sessions across Jerilderie, Coleambally and Darlington Point.

Mr Scarce said concerns were generally focused on perceptions of the proposal rather than practical access to services.

“They sought clarification on how the proposal was going to work, and potential productivity improvements and monetary savings,” he said in his report.

“There was only one angry comment that we are shutting down the town. Most people were concerned about perception rather than the ability to access services on a Friday.”

A total of 49 survey responses were received during the second stage of consultation, with five excluded because respondents could not be verified as local residents or ratepayers.

Supportive respondents pointed to potential gains in efficiency, financial sustainability and work-life balance, while those opposed raised concerns about service accessibility, productivity outcomes, employee fatigue and workplace safety.

Ratepayers who opposed the proposal raised concerns about reduced access to council services on Fridays, potential impacts on outdoor work productivity, employee fatigue and whether the anticipated efficiency savings would actually be achieved.

“I could not make this determination after the first round (of consultations), but I can after the second round,” Mr Scarce said.

“The lack of responses clearly demonstrates that an overwhelming majority of residents and ratepayers have no issue with the proposed four day week.”

An agreement based on the four day work week model will now be developed, with a view of starting from January 2027.