Forbes Council Score: 57/100 — What Residents Should Know
Forbes scores 57/100 overall, with its strongest performance in Core Operations (92/100). Ranked #25 of 79 regional councils in NSW.
Forbes records a composite score of 57/100 (solid), ranking 25th of 79 in its regional peer group and 38th of 128 across NSW. It sits in the upper half of NSW's regional councils, serving around 10k residents in a regional centre.On Financial Sustainability, Forbes posts 36/100 (developing). That trails the regional peer average of 51 and trails 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 50/100 for Forbes, rated solid. That roughly matches the regional peer average of 51 and roughly matches 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 — 51/100 — 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, Forbes lands on 92/100, a excellent result. That stands well above the regional peer average of 51 and stands well above 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
Forbes's strongest showing is on Core Operations (92) and Lifestyle & Amenity (51). Practically, strong core operations mean waste, roads and planning approvals are running smoothly and rates are more likely to be delivering visible value. Alongside that, strong lifestyle and amenity scores point to better-maintained parks, sportsgrounds and cultural venues, and generally a more liveable public realm.On the flip side, a lower community services score usually means thinner program hours, fewer support staff, or gaps in facilities like libraries and community centres. And weaker financial sustainability often shows up over time as sharper rates increases, deferred renewals, or borrowing to cover recurrent costs. The weakest dimensions here — Community Services (50) and Financial Sustainability (36) — are the areas most likely to shape resident complaints and future rates decisions.Score Breakdown
| Dimension | Score | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sustainability | 36/100 | developing |
| Community Services | 50/100 | solid |
| Lifestyle & Amenity | 51/100 | solid |
| Core Operations | 92/100 | excellent |
| Composite | 57/100 | solid |
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