The strategy will identify and cost all future needs of the shire as well as all income sources to meet these needs.

Council week voted to employ a qualified person to develop the strategy by December 2005, in time for its consideration as part of the 2006/07 budget process.

In his report to council last week, general manager David McGowan said future priorities could include the leisure centre, Bong Bong Street roundabout, traffic projects, and flood management, as well as improving service levels.

Mr McGowan said Wingecarribee Shire's population was projected to grow by 10,000 in the next 10 years and servicing needs and costs would grow in line with the population.

The financial strategy will also need to take into account the effect of "cost shifting" as the State Government transfers responsibilities to councils, he said.

The strategy will look at property rationalisation as well as developer agreements as possible sources of income.

Mr McGowan said the financial strategy would be a development of the rating strategy, which has focussed on allocating funds for infrastructure maintenance and bringing Wingecarribee Shire's general rate in line with those of neighbouring shires.

Cr Duncan Gair said any sale of under-used land should be used to acquire another asset.

"This is not a land sale - it is shift in strategy to benefit the community in the long-term," he said.