Grant District Council residents will be hit with a 7.6% rate increase after council endorsed its annual business plan and budget last week.

Council has allocated an $18.6m operating expenditure while deciding to fund a deficit budget of $154,000 and ensuring service levels and capital works programs are maintained in this current high-cost environment.

Mayor Kylie Boston said the plan introduced a general rate increase of 7.6%, 0.3% lower than CPI and was in alignment with council’s long-term financial plan and asset management plans.

Mayor Boston said she was confident the plan would still deliver positive outcomes for the community consistent with the Strategic Management Plan 2020/2030 regardless of the deficit.

“Council recognises our community’s financial pressures and have worked hard to ensure the least impact on our ratepayers while continuing to achieve our shared vision for the next 10 years,” she said.

“We remain committed heading into the new financial year to bring you priority services.”

Mayor Boston said the 2023/2024 budget would invest in the community by carrying out key projects looking at a long-term playground strategy, Local Heritage survey and a comprehensive review of council’s current strategic management plan.

“Council has also committed to deliver major capital works in the upcoming financial year which includes $3.759m towards the Transport and Infrastructure Program, $444,000 for upgrades to community and council owned buildings and $46,000 for Community Waste Management Systems (CWMS),” she said.

“Another $305,000 will be allocated to IT software and equipment upgrades and modernisation across all council sites including its principal office, Port MacDonnell Community Complex, Mount Gambier and District Saleyards and Mount Gambier Regional Airport.

“Throughout the year, council will continue to be proactive in seeking grant funding to assist with funding and advocacies new projects to benefit the community.”