A rural NSW council is considering a major shake-up to the traditional working week as it searches for ways to cut costs without raising rates.
Murrumbidgee Council is exploring a compressed four-day working week, with offices, depots and libraries potentially closing on Fridays while staff work longer days from Monday to Thursday.
The proposal comes as rural councils grapple with rising costs and expanding responsibilities from state and federal governments, often without additional funding.
Rather than pursuing a special rate variation, the council said it was focused on improving productivity and finding more efficient ways to operate.
Spanning almost 7000 square kilometres, travel and logistics make up a significant portion of council operations, placing pressure on budgets and staff time.
Under the proposed model, employees would still work their full weekly hours across four extended days, while the existing 35 hours of weekly customer service would be delivered through longer daily opening times.
General manager John Scarce said the idea was driven by a need to maintain services while finding smarter ways to operate.
“It’s about thinking outside the box and seeing through our council’s determination to never embark on a special rate variation,” Mr Scarce said.
“This is not about reducing services. It is about delivering the same level of service more efficiently and sustainably.
“Longer days mean more flexible access for residents while also helping us better manage travel and resources across our Local Government Area.”
The council estimates the model could deliver productivity savings of about $1.1m each year.
Much of the saving is expected to come from reducing travel time and avoiding repeated mobilisation of equipment, which occurs up to 26 times annually for work sites averaging a 160km round trip from council depots.
Officials said the change could also improve responsiveness by having more staff working at the same time, rather than spread across rostered days off, while potentially reducing fuel use and emissions and helping attract and retain skilled workers.
Essential services, including water and sewer operations, animal control and emergency call-outs, early learning and childcare, caravan parks and swimming pools, would continue as normal.
The move reflects a broader national debate about alternative working arrangements, with unions and businesses divided on whether shorter weeks or reduced hours actually improve productivity.
In August last year, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) pushed for shorter working weeks, arguing that productivity gains should benefit workers.
ACTU president Michele O’Neil said shorter working hours are “good for both workers and employers”.
“They deliver improved productivity and allow working people to live happier, healthier and more balanced lives,” Ms O’Neil said.
However, business groups and industry representatives have voiced strong reservations about four-day week proposals.
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar cautioned that the idea could put “the cart before the horse”, urging a stronger focus on practical ways to boost productivity first.
While the national debate continues, Murrumbidgee Council said it would continue assessing the proposal as part of its long-term financial sustainability planning and efforts to maintain services without increasing the burden on ratepayers.
