Time to comment on financial blueprint

DISTRICT Council of Grant has released its Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026-2027 and now invites the community to comment on the proposed works and services for the year ahead.

The $21.670 million Draft Budget outlines council’s priority projects, as well as core services and investment in essential infrastructure.

To support the delivery of these services and projects, the Draft Plan proposes a rate increase of 6.0%, consistent with council’s Long Term Financial Plan.

District Council of Grant Mayor Kylie Boston said the rising cost of living was a central consideration in Council’s decision-making regarding the rate increase.

“Council has carefully balanced the financial pressures faced by our community with our responsibility to maintain and renew our assets as laid out in the Strategic Management Plan 2020-2030 and the Asset Management Plans,” Mayor Boston said.

“The proposed increase allows council to maintain high quality essential services alongside continued investment in roads, strategic infrastructure and community facilities that support our residents and ratepayers.”

Approximately $4.23 million will be spent on transport and infrastructure, including construction, resheeting and resealing on Council’s road network, and $192,640 has been allocated to Community Wastewater Management Schemes.

$10.2 million in capital spend has also been assigned to the Mount Gambier and Districts Saleyard Transformation Project, with a further $2.7 million in funding committed by the State Government.

Council is also investing in the community with funds dedicated to key projects, such as $30,000 for the development of an Art Strategy, $25,000 to implement recommendations from the Coastal Adaption Strategy, and approximately $232,000 in grants and sponsorships to assist community organisations and clubs.

The Draft Budget does detail an operating deficit of $35,000, however CEO Gary Button is confident in Council’s continued financial sustainability.

“Due to surplus delivered in prior years, council will be able to cover the expected deficit and still deliver it’s full slate of projects and services,” Mr Button said.

A detailed breakdown of continuing services, capital spend, and rates and charges is included in the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026-2027, which is available digitally or in hardcopy from council’s principal office.

Feedback on the plan in welcomed and can be submitted:

• Online via Your Say DCG (yoursaydcg.com.au)

• By emailing [email protected]

• Via hard copy feedback form or letter to:

O District Council of Grant Principal Office, 324 Commercial Street West, Mount Gambier

O Port MacDonnell Community Complex, 5-7 Charles Street, Port MacDonnell

O PO Box 724, Mount Gambier SA 5290

Consultation closes Monday, May 11, and interested community members may present their submissions in person at a public meeting on Monday, May 18.