Naracoorte Lucindale Council adopted its 2021/22 annual business plan and budget at its last monthly meeting. The annual business plan and budget was adopted unchanged from the draft documents, which were released for community review and comment in May.

The budget has endorsed $11.5m of capital works and projects with a minimal 1% increase in general rate revenue. Council’s chief executive Trevor Smart said it ensured the continuation of services for the community, new and ongoing events, investment in the sport and recreation sector and ongoing operations and projects at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange.

Key capital works projects from the budget include:

• Naracoorte Library Redevelopment ($2m)

• Designs for the upgrade of Binnum Benayeo Road, Miles Road, Premier Drive, Robertson Street, Clarksons Road and Moyhall Road ($390,000)

• Completion of Boddingtons Road West connection to the Riddoch Highway (subject to grant funding towards total project cost of $2m)

• Continuation of the road reseal and resheet program ($2.57m)

• Stormwater drainage works on Foster Street ($150,000)

• Continued implementation of the Masterplans for Frances ($65,000) and Lucindale ($323,363)

• New promotional banners for the western entrance to Naracoorte ($25,000)

• Funding for the Fringe Festival ($30,000) and Tour of the Great South Coast ($36,700)

• Naracoorte Creek weir establishment Stage 1 ($240,000)

• Upgrade to Memorial Oval amenities ($120,000)

• Upgrade aged infrastructure at McTernan Park ($177,000) • Contribution of $25,000 for the Lucindale airstrip (subject to grant funding)

• Disability access ramp for the Sound Shell ($50,000)

• Security cameras at the Naracoorte CBD amenities ($25,000)

• Installation of solar power at the Naracoorte depot ($35,000)

• Rainwater tanks at the Lucindale Hall ($15,000)

• Reclad the shelter shed at Cockatoo Lake ($8000)

• Sprinkler system for cattle selling pens at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange ($80,000)

• Continued financial support of local events including the Limestone Coast Multicultural Soccer Carnival ($15,000), MegaFest ($32,000), Harmony Day ($3500), Lucindale Christmas Party, Christmas in the Square, and Special Kids Christmas Party in Adelaide ($3500).

Mr Smart said council had delivered a budget that was “an appropriate balance between the current economic climate and ensured council delivered on the community’s expectations for effective services”.