Financial blueprint unveiled

WATTLE Range Council has released its Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget for the 2025/26 financial year and is inviting community members and residents to have their say.

The Draft Plan was presented to the community at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 17.

Also presented for consultation was the Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025-33, which aligns with Strategic Management Plan presented by the council in 2023

The Annual Business Plan and Budget provides an overview of the services, programs and strategic projects Council plans to deliver to the community in the coming financial year.

Wattle Range Council director of corporate services Paul Duka said the team was excited about the year ahead, with a strong focus on delivering programs that support sustainability and attract residents and tourists to our region.

Initiatives such as investment on council’s road network, continuation on the renewal of coastal infrastructure and building on council’s tourism and marketing direction are a particular focus for 2025/26.

“Council has been working hard to advocate for improvements in the State Government Roads within the council area and the draft plan highlights a stronger collaboration between our organisations to the benefit of our community,” Mr Duka said.

In 2025/26 Council will reconstruct 13.8 km of the Southern Ports Highway from the Southend Access Road turn off through to the outlet at Beachport on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

“We are also looking to continue of a number of initiatives implemented in previous years such as supporting community groups an opportunity to access funds for major infrastructure projects,” he said.

“We’re proud of the initiatives planned for the coming year and we’re looking forward to hearing what our residents and community groups think.

“Community input is crucial in shaping a budget and plan that reflects local priorities.”

There are several ways for community members to provide feedback, including written and verbal submissions and online feedback.

Submissions are due Friday, July 11, and members of the public wishing to do so, will also have the opportunity to present their submissions in person at a Special Meeting of council scheduled for Tuesday, July 15.

To view the council’s Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, and find out how to make a submission, visit www.engage.wattlerange.sa.gov.au