Liverpool City Council is strengthening its financial future by continuing to successfully grow income beyond rates and managing its investments like a high-performing business.
Mayor Ned Mannoun said Council is taking a disciplined, commercial approach to its finances, focused on generating sustainable revenue streams that reduce reliance on residential and business rates over time.
“We are diversifying Council’s finances, because that’s what responsible financial management demands,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“That means constantly looking for ways to improve performance, grow income and deliver better value for our community.”
“Our focus is simple: don’t rely on rates alone. Build stronger, smarter revenue streams that support the services and infrastructure our city needs.”
Council’s latest investment results highlight the success of that approach.
As at 30 June 2026, Council’s investment portfolio reached $486 million, delivering a return of 4.78 per cent: outperforming the AusBond Bank Bill Index benchmark by 0.92 percentage points.
Investment income also exceeded budget expectations by $3.22 million for the financial year.
Mayor Mannoun said these results reflect a clear strategy to maximise returns while maintaining a conservative and compliant risk profile.
“This is about getting the best possible return on every dollar Council holds,” he said.
“We’re not passive, we actively manage our investments, we review performance constantly, and we make decisions that strengthen our bottom line.”
He said Council’s strong financial performance has contributed to a modest surplus this financial year, with another planned for the year ahead.
“That consistency matters,” he said. “It shows we’re managing our finances responsibly, planning ahead and building a stable platform for the future.”
BACKGROUNDER
How Council’s investment strategy is delivering results
Liverpool City Council’s investment approach is built around diversification, active management and a clear objective: to grow income streams beyond traditional rates.
The portfolio includes a mix of fixed and floating income investments, structured to take advantage of market conditions while maintaining a strong focus on capital preservation and liquidity.
A Strategic Investment Committee, made up of senior Council leadership, plays a central role in guiding decisions, regularly reviewing market conditions and identifying opportunities to improve returns.
This includes actively switching investments where appropriate to lock in gains or improve yield, rather than taking a passive “set and forget” approach.
That strategy has delivered measurable outcomes, including consistent outperformance against the benchmark and stronger-than-expected income generation.
Council’s investment income for the year exceeded budget by $3.22 million, driven by higher market interest rates and proactive portfolio management.
At the same time, Council maintained full compliance with legislative requirements and its Investment Policy, ensuring all decisions are made within a robust governance framework.
