The Mount Gambier City Council has released its draft 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget for public consultation.


The $52.2m draft plan outlines council’s key priorities, strategic projects and the continued delivery of essential services for the coming financial year.


Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said council plans to deliver a balanced budget, a lower than forecast rate revenue increase, and a reduced Waste Service Charge (WSC) compared to previous projections in the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP).


“Council will maintain all community services, invest in asset renewal, tighten cost controls and strategically manage debt, with consideration to recommendations from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) and a continued commitment to good governance,” she said.


“The draft budget delivers a balanced financial outcome, with a total rate revenue increase of 8.18% (excluding predicted 0.5% growth). This is lower than previously forecast in the LTFP (8.4%), demonstrating council’s ongoing commitment to cost control, service delivery and responsible investment.


“This is a significant achievement, not only have we balanced the budget, but we have also reduced the forecast rate burden compared to earlier long term financial projections. Careful financial management means we’re delivering for the community now, while ensuring sustainability for the future.


“The rate increase may result in around an additional $35 per quarter, including the Waste Service Charge, for the average residential ratepayer, noting that actual amounts will vary based on property value changes.”


Council chief executive Sarah Philpott highlighted improved financial planning outcomes across the life of the plan.


“Over the life of the LTFP, the need for sharp rate increases is decreasing, and we’re moving toward a position where reliance on the sustainability margin is lessened. We’re planning smarter and operating more efficiently,” Ms Philpott said.


“The proposed Waste Service Charge (WSC) for 2025/26 is $344 per assessment, a 10.61% increase from the previous year. This is a result of unavoidable cost pressures in landfill and contract expenses, however, the charge is still below the amount previously forecast in the LTFP.


“This adjustment ensures full cost recovery, but is lower than expected due to our proactive budgeting and contract management.”


Ms Philpott said the draft budget is shaped by current economic conditions, community expectations and recent recommendations from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA).


“This independent review affirmed the council’s financial trajectory as ‘mostly sustainable’ with six key recommendations, which are already being implemented on or under way. These include improved transparency in capital planning, a strategic approach to debt, and measures to control expenditure growth,” she said.


“From reviewing depreciation methods to focusing on asset renewal over expansion, every aspect of this draft plan is designed to ensure essential services are reliable and sustainable.


“Council continues to maintain all services and invest in vital infrastructure with a focus on renewing and maintaining existing assets, rather than expanding the asset base unnecessarily. This aligns with ESCOSA’s recommendations, including reforms to capital planning, enhanced debt management, and tighter cost controls.


“We have made deliberate choices to invest in what we already have and what the community values.


“Our asset maintenance and renewal program is positive, our loan portfolio is being managed carefully to reduce long-term interest burdens, and our focus is on delivering essential services more efficiently.”


Ms Philpott indicated the draft plan is underpinned by strong financial policy, long term planning, and a commitment to sustainability.


“All rates, fees, and charges were reviewed with a focus on cost recovery and service efficiency,” she said.


“We’re also progressing key initiatives like workforce planning, business system upgrades and asset management reform that will allow council to deliver smarter and more efficient services well into the future.”


Key projects and initiatives for 2025/26


The draft 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget outlines a range of initiatives aligned to the Strategic Plan 2024-2028, Asset Management Plans and the Mount Gambier – 2035 Community Vision, including:


• Blue Lake solar lighting renewal: commencing a two-year upgrade program with potential co-funding opportunities.


• CBD master planning and activation: completion of master plan and funding to implement short term activation.


• Road infrastructure: reconstruction of Lake Terrace East and Wireless Road West (Roads to Recovery funding), and Davison Drive (subject to Special Local Roads Funding).


• James Street public toilets: renewal in line with asset planning.


• Shared path extension: Rail Trail extension to O’Leary Road in line with the Shared Path Master Plan.


• Civic Centre renewal: roof and lift replacement in partnership with Country Arts SA.


• Master planning for open spaces: Planning for Umpherston Sinkhole, with future work proposed for Vansittart Park, Olympic Park, and Hastings Cunningham Reserve.


• Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre: continued activation, including capital upgrades to the AV system.


• Continued review and implementation of a hub-and-spoke visitor servicing model.


• Strategic unlocking projects to enhance organisational performance and zdata-driven decision making.


Ms Philpott said council has also released its draft Long Term Financial Plan 2026-2035 for community consultation.


“The plan demonstrates that council is on track to meet key financial sustainability targets, including an operating surplus by 2027, reflecting strong financial management, refined budgeting practices, improved asset management, and a commitment to long-term planning,” she


said.


“This plan is an important tool that ensures we’re thinking ahead, planning responsibly, and staying aligned with the community’s needs and expectations.


“We review this plan every year to keep it relevant and responsive – because good financial planning is not just about numbers, it’s about building a sustainable future for our city.”


Have Your Say


The draft 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget and Long Term Financial Plan 2026 – 2035 is now available for review.


“The documents present a clear breakdown of operating and capital expenditure by council portfolio and business unit, enabling residents to see exactly where investments are being made across key service areas,” she said.


“It includes financial summaries and project descriptions to explain funding sources, key initiatives, and the prioritisation of renewal over new infrastructure.


“This format supports informed community feedback and reflects council’s commitment to open and accountable financial management.”


Visit www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au to view the document and FAQs.


View a hard copy of the document at the Mount Gambier Library or Civic Centre.


Draft budget information sessions will be held at the Mount Gambier Library on Tuesday, June 10 from 12pm-1pm and Wednesday, June 11 from 5.30pm-6.30pm.


Bookings can be made by phone on 8721 2555 or email exateam@mountgambier.sa.gov.au


Written submissions close on Thursday, June 12.


A Special Council Meeting to hear public submissions and answer questions regarding the document will be held on Tuesday, June 17 at 5.00pm. Notice of intent to speak to a submission must be provided.


A special meeting to adopt the 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget will be held on Tuesday, June 24 at 6pm.