FiscalStar's Dashboard Model

FiscalStar now operationalises its algorithms via an interactive dashboard model.

The results for 2009 FiscalStar report on NSW Council Financial Sustainability for the largest (by population) 100 councils is shown below. To display an individual council's results, use the drop-down menus at the top right-hand corner of the dashboard.

Before you can view the dashboard on your computer, you need to have Adobe Flash Player installed. If it’s not already on your system, it’s available as a free download by clicking on the Adobe Flash icon.

This dashboard relates only to NSW councils. 

The dashboard comprises three components, namely:

• (in the centre) the Gauge – which outputs the financial sustainability assessment;
• (at the left) the Dials – which input the values for each of the three key financial ratios; and
• (at the right) the Sliders – which input the values for each of the seven ‘other' financial characteristics.  

The dials and sliders are disabled on the above version. A functioning version can be viewed on FiscalStar’s website at http://www.fiscalstar.com.au/content/view/251/122/

It should be noted that the FiscalStar analysis only provides a high-level desktop analysis of a council’s financial sustainability based on the most recent publicly-available (2007/08) information. A more detailed sustainability review by Review Today develops and applies the latest 10-year financial and infrastructure projections for a council, and also compares the full range of spending and funding options available if a council’s current financial and infrastructure shortfalls are to be addressed over the projection period.

As a result, the dashboard models which councils receive following a full sustainability review have many more features than the version above, including policy setting dials that enable various scenarios to be tested and evaluated. Many councils will find such customised and extended local government financial forecasting dashboards an invaluable aid in preparing their 10 year business plan and in calculating immediately the impact for example of new council spending proposals on the overall financial sustainability standing of the council.

Full details about sustainability reviews for particular councils are available from Bob Gaussen (gaussen@reviewtoday.com.au).