Bellingen Council Score: 55/100 — What Residents Should Know
Bellingen scores 55/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Community Services (60/100). Ranked #27 of 79 regional councils in NSW.
Bellingen records a composite score of 55/100 (solid), ranking 27th of 79 in its regional peer group and 44th of 128 across NSW. It sits in the upper half of NSW's regional councils, serving around 14k residents in a regional centre.On Financial Sustainability, Bellingen posts 55/100 (solid). That sits modestly above the regional peer average of 51 and sits modestly above the NSW state average of 51. It captures how well the council balances its books, manages debt, and funds future infrastructure without over-relying on rates increases.Community Services comes in at 60/100 for Bellingen, rated solid. That runs comfortably ahead of the regional peer average of 51 and runs comfortably ahead of the NSW state average of 51. It captures the reach and quality of libraries, childcare, aged support, community centres, and grants that touch daily life.The council's Lifestyle & Amenity result — 53/100 — reads as solid. That roughly matches the regional peer average of 51 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures parks, sportsgrounds, cultural venues, events, and the general liveability of the area relative to what residents pay.For Core Operations, Bellingen lands on 52/100, a solid result. That roughly matches the regional peer average of 51 and roughly matches the NSW state average of 51. It captures the essentials — roads, waste, planning approvals, and how efficiently the council runs its day-to-day services.
What This Means For Residents
Bellingen's strongest showing is on Community Services (60) and Financial Sustainability (55). Practically, strong community services translate into more reliable libraries, maternal health, aged support and community programs — a real day-to-day benefit for families and older residents. Alongside that, a stronger financial position tends to mean rates rises are less likely to be driven by budget shortfalls, and long-term infrastructure planning is better funded.On the flip side, weaker lifestyle and amenity results tend to show up in ageing sportsgrounds, tired playgrounds, or a thinner events calendar. And a low core operations score is often felt through slower planning approvals, patchier road maintenance, and rougher waste and customer service experiences. The weakest dimensions here — Lifestyle & Amenity (53) and Core Operations (52) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 55/100 | solid |
| Community Services | 60/100 | solid |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 53/100 | solid |
| Core Operations | 52/100 | solid |
| Composite | 55/100 | solid |
Related Councils: bellingen