Have your say on financial blueprint

THE City of Mount Gambier has released its draft 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget for public consultation so now is the time to have your say.

The $52.2 million draft plan outlines council’s key priorities, strategic projects and the continued delivery of essential services for the coming financial year.

Council plans to deliver a balanced budget, a lower than forecast rate revenue increase, and a reduced Waste Service Charge (WSC) compared to previous projections in the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP).

Council will maintain all community services, invest in asset renewal, tighten cost controls and strategically manage debt, with consideration to recommendations from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) and a continued commitment to good governance.

The draft budget delivers a balanced financial outcome, with a total rate revenue increase of 8.18% (excluding predicted 0.5% growth). This is lower than previously forecast in the LTFP (8.4%), demonstrating Council’s ongoing commitment to cost control, service delivery and responsible investment.

City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM welcomed the draft financial blueprint.

“This is a significant achievement, not only have we balanced the budget, but we’ve also reduced the forecast rate burden compared to earlier long term financial projections,” Maor Martin said. “Careful financial management means we’re delivering for the community now, while ensuring sustainability for the future.

“The rate increase may result in around an additional $35.00 per quarter, including the Waste Service Charge, for the average residential ratepayer, noting that actual amounts will vary based on property value changes.”

City of Mount Gambier CEO Sarah Philpott highlighted improved financial planning outcomes across the life of the LTFP.

“Over the life of the LTFP, the need for sharp rate increases is decreasing, and we’re moving toward a position where reliance on the sustainability margin is lessened. We’re planning smarter and operating more efficiently,” Ms Philpott said.

The proposed Waste Service Charge (WSC) for 2025/2026 is $344.00 per assessment, a 10.61% increase from the previous year.

This is a result of unavoidable cost pressures in landfill and contract expenses, however, the charge is still below the amount previously forecast in the LTFP.

“This adjustment ensures full cost recovery but is lower than expected due to our proactive budgeting and contract management,” the CEO said.

The draft budget is shaped by current economic conditions, community expectations and recent recommendations from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA).

Council continues to maintain all services and invest in vital infrastructure with a focus on renewing and maintaining existing assets, rather than expanding the asset base unnecessarily. This aligns with ESCOSA’s recommendations, including reforms to capital planning, enhanced debt management, and tighter cost controls.

“We’ve made deliberate choices to invest in what we already have and what the community values,” Ms Philpott said.

“Our asset maintenance and renewal program is positive, our loan portfolio is being managed carefully to reduce long-term interest burdens, and our focus is on delivering essential services.”

Council has also released its draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026–2035 for community consultation.

The plan demonstrates that council is on track to meet key financial sustainability targets, including an operating surplus by 2027, reflecting strong financial management, refined budgeting practices, improved asset management, and a commitment to long-term planning.

“This plan is an important tool that ensures we’re thinking ahead, planning responsibly, and staying aligned with the community’s needs and expectations,” Ms Philpott said. “We review this plan every year to keep it relevant and responsive – because good financial planning isn’t just about numbers, it’s about building a sustainable future for our city.”

Key projects and initiatives for 2025/2026

Blue Lake/Warwar solar lighting renewal: commencing a two-year upgrade program with potential co-funding opportunities.

CBD master planning and activation: completion of master plan and funding to implement short term activation.

Road infrastructure: reconstruction of Lake Terrace East and Wireless Road West (Roads to Recovery funding), and Davison Drive (subject to Special Local Roads Funding).

James Street public toilets: renewal in line with asset planning.

Shared path extension: Rail Trail extension to O’Leary Road in line with the Shared Path Master Plan.

Civic Centre renewal: roof and lift replacement in partnership with Country Arts SA.

Master planning for open spaces: Planning for Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, with future work proposed for Vansittart Park, Olympic Park, and Hastings Cunningham Reserve.

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre: continued activation, including capital upgrades to the AV system.

Continued review and implementation of a hub-and-spoke visitor servicing model.

Strategic unlocking projects to enhance organisational performance and data-driven decision making.

Have Your Say

Visit www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au to view the document and FAQs.

View a hard copy of the document at the Mount Gambier Library or Civic Centre.

Draft budget information sessions will be held at the Mount Gambier Library on Tuesday 10 June 2025 12pm – 1pm and Wednesday 11 June 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

Bookings can be made by phone on 8721 2555 or email [email protected]

Written submissions close on Thursday 12 June 2025.

A Special Council Meeting to hear public submissions and answer questions regarding the document will be held on Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 5:00pm. – Notice of intent to speak to a submission must be provided.

A special meeting to adopt the 2025/2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget will be held on Tuesday 24 June 2025 at 6:00pm.