Have Your Say on this Year’s Draft Budget
Key points:
- Whyalla City Council’s current budget is being developed in a challenging environment, including once-in-a-generation high inflation levels (7.5% CPI), which Council is unable to absorb
- The draft budget focuses on maintaining / improving existing services and assets, as well as prioritising:
- Liveability improvements (such as the Whyalla Health and Leisure Centre aquatic upgrades; and Surf Life Saving building redevelopment)
- Positioning Whyalla to capitalise on the opportunities on the horizon (ie hydrogen investment)
- Resolving legacy issues from ageing infrastructure
- Council is proposing a rate rise equal to a $2.30 increase per week for the average residential property (8.5% increase, of which 7.5% is CPI)
- 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 Whyalla City Council’s priorities for the next 12 months
26 April 2023
Whyalla City Council is seeking your feedback on this year’s draft budget, which focuses on maintaining existing services and assets, while continuing the groundwork to capitalise on the opportunities that are fast becoming a reality for the city.
The current budget is being developed in a challenging environment, including once-in-a-generation high inflation levels. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) influences the majority of Council’s costs, so at a minimum the rates must increase with CPI to avoid the city going backwards and losing services.
Council is currently in a deficit position due to dealing with the realities of ageing infrastructure and a static population, while also preparing for those opportunities on our doorstep. This means that Council cannot simply absorb cost increases such as CPI (as some larger metro councils have done over recent years).
All of these factors mean that Council is proposing a rate increase of $2.30 per week for the average residential property. This is equal to CPI plus 1 %, for a total of 8.5% for the coming financial year (2023/24), noting that the CPI of 7.5% makes up almost 90% of the increase.
As well as covering CPI, the draft budget currently prioritises several existing liveability projects – which have already been identified as priorities by the community – to benefit existing residents, while also helping entice people to relocate to Whyalla to take advantage of the major projects on our horizon (hydrogen, green steel).
The liveability projects currently identified include:
- Surf Life Saving building redevelopment – the first stage of the wider Foreshore Master Plan
- Whyalla Health and Leisure Centre aquatic upgrades
- Whyalla Marina boat ramp replacement – including upgrades to the carpark, replacement of the swimming enclosure and dredging of the marina
- Addressing legacy issues, particularly relating to ageing infrastructure
On top of this, Council must continue to operate and invest in the many services and assets that the community has come to rely on, such as the library, airport, jetty, roads, footpaths, playgrounds and parks, among many others. The community have indicated that they value the vast array of services that Council provides, and it is important to ensure that these can continue to be provided into the future.
Mayor Phill Stone is encouraging all residents to have their say on the draft budget to ensure it captures the community’s needs and priorities.
“This document is only in draft form, so it’s critical the final version reflects the feedback we receive over the next three weeks before being adopted by council,” Mayor Stone said.
“There are a host of ways you can contribute, so if you’re passionate about Whyalla, be sure to get involved. If you want to find out more, be sure to attend one of our information sessions – they’re a great way to gain a better understanding of our focus areas and why this rate rise has been proposed.”
A full copy of the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is available to view at Council offices or by visiting Council’s website.
Community consultation is open from Thursday 27 April to Friday 19 May. Feedback can be provided by:
- Attending one of the Community Information Sessions at the Mount Laura Homestead Museum Building (Ekblom Street) at 6pm on Tuesday 2 May or 6pm on Tuesday 16 May
- Completing a written submission on council’s website
- Emailing council@whyalla.sa.gov.au
- Writing to: PO Box 126 Whyalla SA 5600
- Providing a verbal submission at the May council meeting (from 5.30pm Monday 15 May)
All feedback received will be carefully considered by Council prior to the adoption of the Annual Business Plan and Budget in June.
Residents will soon have an opportunity to have their say on the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, with community information sessions starting next week (2 May).