Sophie Conlon
Rates could go up 4.8 per cent and there could be an expansion to waste collection services across the District Council of Grant if their 2024-2025 Draft Budget and Annual Business Plan, which is now out for community consultation, is endorsed.
This proposed rate increase is 0.8 per cent more than what was forecast in council’s Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), though is in line with Adelaide’s December quarter consumer price index (CPI).
The draft budget has projected an operating surplus of $176,000, which is $89,000 lower than anticipated in the LTFP.
It anticipates an operating revenue of $19,750,000, and an operating expenditure of $19,574,000.
With 55 per cent of revenue, or $10.829m, expected to be raised from general rates, the proposed rise would exclude new property growth and the actual amount payable by the individual ratepayer could fluctuate depending on the movement in capital value of their property.
Council has also proposed to expand waste collection services within the document.
Previously, 85 properties in the region – mainly in Cape Douglas – have been without council run waste services.
To expand the service to these properties council would impose a $300 service charge- on top of their rates- to them to assist in the expansion
The service has been deemed critical, with delivery aligning with council’s Strategic Management Plan 2020-2030.
There are seven major capital works projects outlined in the 2024-2025 Draft Budget and Annual Business Plan, with allocations including:
-$3,584,241 for transport and infrastructure, including road upkeep and construction and proposed BMX track resurfacing.
-$342,500 for community building projects
-$162,192 for Community Waste Water Management Systems (CWMS)
-$830,000 for the Mount Gambier Regional Airport
-$1,958,000 for fleet management
-$137,000 for administrative building projects
-$148,500 for information and communications technology program
Other outlined investments included a $89,000 contribution to the Limestone Coast Connectivity Project, $40,000 for the Local Heritage Survey completion and commencement of Local Heritage Code Amendment, $80,000 to a coastal adaptation project- subject to additional funding- and $50,000 for a corporate branding strategy.
With five key goals outlined, the plan was developed to lead council in developing vibrant and connected coastal and rural communities, supporting a prosperous local economy, retaining and enhancing natural and built environments, providing quality services and infrastructure, and leading and engaging with the community.
The plan was developed over four months and council’s audit and risk committee deemed it met requirements of the Local Government Act and Regulations.
Copies of the 2024-2025 Draft Budget and Annual Business Plan will be available at council’s offices and written submissions are encouraged.
Council would consider all written submissions received along with any presentations made at council’s scheduled meeting on May 20.
Consultation opened from April 19, and would close on May 9.
