Budget out for comment

THE District Council of Grant’s Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2025-2026 has been released and Council are now inviting the community to provide feedback on the proposed works and services.

Chief Executive Officer Darryl Whicker said the Draft Plan balances responsible financial management with investing in key infrastructure and strategic projects, whilst also considering the costs of inflation and drought conditions faced by the community.

“In preparing the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, the consideration of the current economic environment and consequent pressures on our communities has been at the forefront of Council’s decision making,” Mr Whicker said.

“In the new financial year, we intend to invest approximately $4.6 million in renewing our key assets to deliver services and maintain our infrastructure that meets our community’s needs and expectations,”

To achieve these key maintenance and upgrade projects, the Draft 2025-2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget proposes a rate revenue increase of 3.75% in line with Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan.

The Draft Plan also outlines an approximate $20.489 million operating expenditure which includes an allocation of $3.179 million to maintain Council’s road network. A further $14.2 million is proposed for total capital works.

A highlight is the proposed $7.426 million capital investment in the Mount Gambier Districts Livestock Exchange 2030 Transformation Project, a key focus area under the Economy Goal in Council’s Strategic Plan 2024 – 2034. The Saleyards Transformation Project, estimated to value $15.4 million, is intended to be carried out over multiple years.

“The Saleyards are a premium selling centre and Council is committed to continuing to support primary producers in an auction environment to set best price. We will continue to lobby for funding or consider reducing the scope of the project to spend no more than $7.7 million of Council’s funds,” Mr Whicker explained.

Other key projects proposed to be funded in the new financial year include:

• $89,000 towards the second year of funding Telstra Mobile Towers;

• $30,000 to creating a Community Development Strategy which aims to support the growth of community development initiatives, arts, culture and community group support throughout townships;

• $100,000 to developing Connective Coastal, River and Walking, and Bike Trail strategies over multiple years; and

• $25,000 to implementing and advancing Coastal Adaptation Strategy initiatives.

Mayor Kylie Boston reiterated that the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget reflects Council’s commitment to maintain effective services for the community while progressing towards shared long-term goals.

“Council recognises the financial pressures many in our community are facing and have carefully considered the delivery of services and projects to our community against the proposed rate increase,” Mayor Boston said.

“We want to work together with our communities and to create an environment where we can all live, work and play,”

“I encourage all residents to take the opportunity to review the draft document and share their feedback.”

Community members are invited to review the Draft 2025-2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget and have their say. Feedback can be submitted by:

• Completing the online feedback form via Your Say DCG (yoursaydcg.com.au/)

• Completing a hard copy feedback form available at the District Council of Grant Principal Office, 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier and Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5-7 Charles Street, Mount Gambier

• Emailing [email protected]

• Writing a letter addressed to the District Council of Grant at PO Box 724, Mount Gambier SA 5290

Consultation closes at 5:00pm Tuesday 10 June 2025.

Interested community members may attend a public meeting on Monday 16 June 2025 between 4:00pm and 5:00pm in the Council Chambers at 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier, to further review and discuss the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget with Council representatives.