Mount Gambier City Council ratepayers are facing a 6.2% rate hike, which is lower than the cost of inflation.
The council’s draft 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget was endorsed for consultation at a special council meeting last week and is now open for community feedback, along with the Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2024-2033 and Draft Interim Asset Management Summary 2024-2033.
Council chief executive Sarah Philpott said the documents outlined the programs of work and allocation of budget supporting the activities that council will undertake in the next financial year and beyond.
“The City of Mount Gambier remains dedicated to offering a wide range of services that benefit our residents every day,” she said.
“We are proud to provide these services and committed to ensuring ongoing sustainability so that services and facilities are provided to a high standard.”
Ms Philpott said the draft operating expenditure budget of $45.1m would deliver a number of key services, including waste management and disposal, development assessment and planning services, library services, community development, and events.
“The budget also outlines the key infrastructure services council will deliver, including the maintenance of roads, footpaths, lighting, stormwater drainage, street trees, sporting facilities and open spaces,” she said.
“In addition, council has allocated $5.8m for the renewal of assets, including buildings and structures, infrastructure, plant and equipment. $3.1m has been allocated to upgrade or purchase new assets.”
Ms Philpott said key budget highlights included: Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre; Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Phase 4 program; Sport, Recreation and Open Space Strategy; Crater Lakes activation; Waste Management Strategy; Reconciliation Action Plan and Organisational improvements.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said council’s estimated operating deficit in 2023/2024 was $2.8m, driven by cost pressures in various areas, including electricity, fuel, and manufacturing inputs.
“Similar challenges are being faced by all councils across South Australia,” she said.
“In 2020/2021, to assist ratepayers during COVID, council applied a zero rate revenue increase, and in 2022/2023 rate revenue increases were below CPI.
“As a consequence of this and relatively high inflation continuing beyond the 2023 financial year, council has made the difficult decision to increase rates by more than is set out in the current Long Term Financial Plan.
“Therefore, council has taken a smoothing approach to rate revenue increases for the next three years as we recognise the financial pressures residents and businesses are experiencing.
“We are committed to providing a high level of service to our community whilst remaining financially sustainable by managing expenditure within the 10 years of the Long Term Financial Plan to minimise the impact on ratepayers.
“Current indications demonstrate the average rates notice in Mount Gambier will remain below the average in both South Australia and neighbouring council areas.”
The 2023/2024 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget, Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2024-2033 and Draft Interim Asset Management Summary 2024-2033 are available to download at www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au or visit the council office or Mount Gambier Library to obtain a hard copy.
The community consultation period closes on June 15.
Council will formally consider all feedback on the Draft 2023/2024 Annual Business and Budget at a special council meeting to be held on June 20 before adopting the final 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget and related strategic management plans.
