Draft budget adopted following consultation
Whyalla City Council has adopted its FY26 Annual Business Plan and Budget, which focuses on maintaining existing services and assets, as well as several projects aimed at significantly improving the city’s liveability.
Council’s work to actively improve its financial outlook has enabled next financial year’s rate rise to be kept just under $1 per week for the average residential ratepayer – an increase of 0.9% plus the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2.2%, for a total of 3.1%.
As well as delivering ongoing services and assets, the draft budget includes major community projects – which are predominantly Federal and State Government funded – such as:
- Completing the $32m airport runway upgrade
- Finalising designs for the new $6.4m Whyalla Foreshore Centre building, which will incorporate the Surf Life Saving Club, café and kiosk, with the possibility of other tenants
- A $2.4m renewal of the Whyalla Boat Ramp, as well as dredging of both the Whyalla and Point Lowly Marinas
- Finalising design work for the $6.2m foreshore Splash and Play Plaza – incorporating community feedback – followed by construction
Mayor Phill Stone said council had focused on delivering the lowest rate increase possible without compromising long-term financial sustainability.
“Despite significant improvements, council continues to operate in a deficit position due to dealing with ageing infrastructure; a loss-making airport: and static population and housing growth; so it’s critical that we at least cover CPI,” Mayor Stone said.
“Fortunately, council’s unprecedented level of lobbying for government funding and support has seen once-in-a-generation commitments to Whyalla by both State and Federal governments – $40 million in total – enabling us to deliver several major community projects while minimising the impact on our ratepayers.”
Mayor Stone said these projects will vastly improve the facilities on offer to the community, while helping attract new residents to live and work in Whyalla.
“The additional 0.9% above CPI will enable council to make its contribution to these projects, while also helping prioritise resolving a number of legacy issues across the city, which will ultimately allow us to shift our focus from the past to the future,” he said.
“It’s important to note that our increase aligns with the lower end of proposed rate rises across the state, with our Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spence Gulf neighbours ranging from 3.0% to 9.5%.”
Mayor Stone said as well as looking to the future, the budget focused on maintaining current service levels and ensuring that council’s day-to-day service delivery is of a standard that meets community expectations, while being delivered in the most efficient and effective manner.
Due to the rate capping implemented last year as part of the required shift to Capital Value rating, some residents will see a greater-than-3.1% increase, while others will see a less-than-3.1% increase. Anyone interested in knowing their exact rate change prior to the issuing of rates in July is encouraged to contact council on 8640 3444 or council@whyalla.sa.gov.au.
Mayor Stone said he empathised with those already struggling with cost-of-living pressures and encouraged people to contact council to review the many payment options available if they required assistance.
A full copy of the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is available to view at council offices or by visiting councils’ website: https://whycc.au/ABP26.