Budget Aimed at Maintaining Services
Whyalla City Council has listened to the community, adopting a finalised 2022/23 (FY23) Annual Business Plan and Budget that reflects feedback received from residents, resulting in an increase of $1.60 per week for the average ratepayer.
Council undertook extensive community engagement over several months, with residents identifying the need to maintain existing services as their key priority.
Consultation focused on the need for an increase of 1.6% above CPI (4.7%) – for a total of 6.3% – to ensure existing services could be maintained at current levels.
It was identified that anything less than this would result in the need to reduce services, which would go against the community feedback received.
As a comparison, other regional councils are proposing similar increases, including Tumby Bay 8.7%; Franklin Harbour 7.1%; Ceduna 5.8%; and Cleve and Kimba 5.5%.
Some non-metro councils are able to achieve a lower rate increase for existing ratepayers, but have a similar overall increase in total general rate revenue when factoring in new properties. This includes Mount Barker's 7.7% and Murray Bridge's 7.5%. This was not an option for Whyalla due to the lack of property growth.
The budget will enable Council to continue to operate and invest in the many services and assets that the community has come to rely on, such as the leisure centre, library, airport, jetty, marina, roads, footpaths, playgrounds and parks, among many others.
It also allocates funding to focus on verges and streetscapes – potentially incorporating innovate solutions that address other social needs, such as youth employment opportunities – which was another priority identified by residents; as well as addressing legacy issues, particularly relating to ageing council and community buildings.
In terms of future development, Council will be actively lobbying both State and Federal governments for funding to deliver major social infrastructure projects, such as the Foreshore Master Plan; northern coastline upgrade; and addressing the housing requirements for significant infrastructure projects such as the State Government’s hydrogen power plant and Port Bonython hydrogen hub.
Government funding for this social infrastructure will help ensure the city is well prepared for the major developments on the horizon while minimising the financial impact on ratepayers.
Residents may also notice a Landscape Levy listed on their rates notice. The entirety of this levy goes to the State Government – which also determines the value of the levy – and is separate to Council’s rates.
Council would like to thank all the residents who provided their feedback throughout the consultation period to help shape the final FY23 Annual Business Plan and Budget.
Also, a reminder that residents having difficulties paying their rates can access Council’s hardship program – please contact us on 8640 3444 or council@whyalla.sa.gov.au to find out more.
