Saleyards loom as big ticket item

DISTRICT Council of Grant has endorsed its Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2026-2027 after it was presented at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Monday, June 15.

The adopted budget outlines $21.559M in operational expenditure and a further $17.980M allocated to capital projects, supported by a rate increase of 6.00%.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston was confident the Annual Business Plan and Budget strikes a balance between maintaining services while investing in the growth of the community.

“Through this budget, we’re continuing to support our shared vision of the future, through local liveability, economic activity and wellbeing for everyone who calls our district home,” Mayor Boston said.

Major projects across the district will see significant investment over the coming year, such as the Mount Gambier & District Saleyards which will receive $10.2M towards the Saleyards Transformation Project in partnership with the State Government.

Recreation is also a top priority, with $400,000 allocated to implement Playground Strategy recommendations beginning in Tarpeena, and $243,000 will be spent on upgrading the Shelly Beach boardwalk in Port MacDonnell.

Coastal adaption will also receive substantial funds for this financial year, with $200,000 in capital expenditure going towards a pilot Coastal Protection Initiative and a further $25,000 in operational spending allocated to implementing recommendations from Council’s Coastal Adaptation Strategy.

Council has set aside $232,109 for its grants and sponsorship programs which reinvest directly into the community.

Additional operational spending is allocated to Year 3 of council’s contribution to Telstra mobile towers ($58,096), the upcoming Local Government Elections ($60,000), and implementation of Council’s name change and brand identity update ($50,000).

The Budget has been revised since it was initially released in draft form for community consultation in April this year, primarily as a result of Qantas ceasing operations out of the Mount Gambier Regional Airport.

Savings were made across a range of council areas to adjust for this change and Council’s operating deficit for 2026/27 was ultimately reduced from $35,000 to $13,500, with no additional rate increase for the community.

Chief Executive Officer Gary Button said the updated budget demonstrates council’s ongoing commitment to financial sustainability.

“These savings have allowed council to further maintain its strong financial position in line with the Long Term Financial Plan without compromising our delivery of services or planned investments in core projects,” Mr Button said.