Ongoing committment to Council's financial review.

A focus on immediate savings and long term efficiencies are the drivers behind a Financial Sustainability Review being undertaken by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

In a report noted by Council at tonight's Extra Ordinary Meeting, General Manager Tony Hayward explained the Review is a continuous process that all local governments need to undertake to continue to ensure that services are being delivered in the most efficient manner possible.

"A significant number of productivity improvements have been put in place over the last two years which have positively affected the budget for the current financial year. As part of the Special Rate Variation application that Council has submitted for next financial year, I have committed that the organisation would continue to seek savings and increased efficiencies so that the burden of funding the infrastructure backlog is not being solely met by potential rate rises.

"The latest round of financial reviews has identified immediate savings in excess of $600,000 from the 2012/13 budget, through non replacement of vacant positions, reductions in motor vehicles and software improvements.

Council's senior management are continuing to investigate a comprehensive list of other potential changes that represent savings in both dollar terms and workplace efficiencies.

"We will continue reviewing opportunities such as energy efficiencies, how we communicate, conduct events and manage our motor vehicles and staff entitlements to ensure that financial sustainability is the cornerstone of how Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is being managed," said Mr Hayward.

It is anticipated that a further report on the investigations currently listed in the financial Sustainability review will be presented to the August Council meeting.