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Have Your Say on this Year’s Draft Budget

Our Council & City

Published 26th April 2024

budget 24

26 April 2024

Have Your Say on this Year’s Draft Budget

Key points:

  • Whyalla City Council’s draft budget for 2024/2025 (FY25) focuses on maintaining / improving existing services and assets, as well as prioritising:
  • Council is proposing a rate increase equal to $2 per week for the average residential property (5% - predominantly covering CPI of 4.2%)
    • The actual change to individual properties’ rating level will differ due to the change to Capital Value (some will be less than 5% – including a decrease in some instances – while others will be greater than 5%)
  • There are multiple ways to have your say on the draft budget over the next three weeks (in person and via submissions)
    • This is your chance to influence council’s priorities for the next 12 months

Whyalla City Council is seeking your feedback on this year’s draft budget, which focuses on maintaining existing services and assets, as well as several projects to reduce debt and improve the city’s liveability.

A rate increase equal to $2 per week for the average residential property (5%) is being proposed – only 0.8% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 4.2% – to cover inflation plus provide income for projects that will benefit the community.

Focuses of the budget include:

  • The foreshore water park and community plaza, incorporating water play; outdoor adventure play (with junior and senior obstacles); wave lawn; scooter track; and shelter and seating
    • This is heavily reliant on securing government funding
  • Recreation Centre efficiency and operating cost improvements – including installation of solar panels – helping reduce its impact on council’s budget
  • Library renewal (primarily focused on new mobile shelving and floor refurbishment), aimed to make the facility more multi-functional and able to cater for more events
  • Resolving legacy issues from ageing infrastructure and outdated lease agreements, helping reduce their burden on ratepayers

Mayor Phill Stone said the release of advice by the Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA) had been important in helping inform council’s decision making for this year’s plan.

“Council is currently in a deficit position due to dealing with ageing infrastructure; a loss-making airport: outdated lease agreements; and a static population, while also preparing for the major opportunities on our doorstep,” Mayor Stone said.

“It is therefore critical we at least cover CPI, with a minimal increase above this to allow for a limited number of improvement projects.

“The budget also priorities resolving a number of legacy issues across the city – particularly relating to ageing infrastructure that has been under-invested for some time – which aligns with the ESCOSA advice.”

Although there is an overarching rate increase of 5%, it is important to note that the actual change to individual properties’ rating level will differ due to the State Government’s legislated requirement to change to Capital Value. As a result, 50% of properties will see a less-than 5% increase – including an actual decrease in rates in some instances – while 50% will have a higher-than 5% increase. Council does not raise any additional rate revenue out of the change to Capital Value.

Mayor Stone said it was important residents participated in the consultation process over the coming weeks to ensure they understood council’s priorities and were able to have their say through the proper channels.

“We want to hear your thoughts on this year’s draft budget to ensure these are taken into consideration before adopting the final plan,” he said.

“If you have any queries or concerns, don’t simply complain on social media – get along to these sessions and provide your feedback formally and constructively.”

Community consultation is open from 26 April to 20 May. Feedback can be provided by:

All feedback received will be carefully considered by council prior to the adoption of the budget in June.

A full copy of the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is available to view at council offices

Or on our Community Engagement page here

Anyone interested in knowing their exact rate change prior to the issuing of rates in July is encouraged to either attend a community information session, or contact council on 8640 3444 or council@whyalla.sa.gov.au.