Whyalla City Council releases draft 2026/27 budget for community consultation
Whyalla City Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on the Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget, which outlines council’s priorities, services and projects for the financial year ahead.
This year’s draft budget focuses on maintaining essential services, improving city amenity and continuing progress toward long-term financial sustainability, while also responding to current economic conditions.
A key feature of the draft budget is council’s commitment to improving the presentation of the city, with additional resourcing proposed for verge and median maintenance in response to feedback received through last year’s community satisfaction survey, as well as other regular feedback received from residents.
Council has also considered the impact of current economic conditions, particularly rising fuel costs, which are expected to affect both council’s operations, as well as the cost of waste collection and disposal in the coming financial year.
To balance these priorities, council is consulting on two rate increase options for 2026/27:
Option 1
- A 6.3% rate increase (2.8% above the Consumer Price Index (CPI) – a measure of cost of living changes), which would allow additional resources for city amenity to be implemented from July 2026 while covering current cost pressures
- This would represent a quarterly increase of $29.50 on an average residential rates bill (or $2.25 per week)
Option 2
- A 5.3% rate increase (1.8% above CPI), which would address current economic impacts, with additional city amenity resources introduced once conditions stabilise
- This would represent a quarterly increase of $25.25 on an average residential rates bill (or $1.95 per week)
Under both options, council remains committed to improving city amenity, with the difference relating to the timing of these proposed improvements.
Chief Executive Officer Justin Commons said the draft budget reflects a balanced and responsible approach to meeting community expectations while maintaining a focus on achieving financial sustainability, particularly during challenging economic conditions.
“Council has developed this draft budget to ensure we continue delivering essential services, while also responding to community concern regarding the presentation of the city,” Mr Commons said.
“At the same time, we are managing ongoing cost pressures and working toward a financially sustainable position. We understand our community is also dealing with cost-of-living pressure, which is why we are presenting two rate increase options for ratepayers to consider.
“We know that any increase in rates is not ideal for many of our ratepayers. However, we must make informed decisions that seek to find the right balance. We therefore encourage all residents to review the draft plan and participate in the consultation process so their feedback can help inform council’s final decision.”
As well as outlining council’s planned activities, financial position and performance measures, the draft plan outlines the wide range of services delivered by council – from waste collection and road maintenance; to libraries, recreation facilities and community programs – which is where the majority of rates are utilised.
See the full breakdown of where your rates get allocated
Further detailed information on the draft budget is available in the full Annual Business Plan and Budget document, which can be accessed online as part of the consultation process.
Full Annual Business Plan and Budget draft document
Annual Business Plan and Budget Information Presentation
How to participate in the consultation process
Community consultation is open from 30 April to 25 May. Feedback can be provided by:
- Completing the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQN8YDZ
- Attending community information sessions: Tuesday May 6 at 6pm or Wednesday 20 at 2pm, both at Mt Laura Homestead Conference Room
- Attending our online / virtual community information session on Tuesday 12 May from 7pm via this link: https://whycc.au/3QZsL2Y
- Making a verbal submission at a council meeting: Monday 18 May, 5:45pm at Council’s Civic Building
- Submitting feedback via email or in writing: council@whyalla.sa.gov.au
All feedback received will be considered by council prior to the adoption of the budget in June.
Media contact:
Please refer all media enquiries to
Molly McGovern - Media and Communications Officer.
Phone: 0419 655 888
Email: molly.mcgovern@whyalla.sa.gov.au