FAQs

The Annual Business Plan and Budget outlines Council’s priorities for the financial year, including services, infrastructure projects, strategic planning initiatives and how they will be funded. Council is required to develop and adopt this plan annually as per the Local Government Act 1999 and financial regulations. This plan aligns with our Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plans, reflecting the Mount Gambier 2035 Community Vision for the future.

Council has proposed a total expenditure of $52.2 million for the 2025/2026 financial year. This includes:

• Operational services such as waste management, parks and gardens, Library, The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, Waste Transfer Station, ReUse Market, Mount Gambier Visitor Centre, Cemetery, Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre and community programs.
• Capital projects including road upgrades, asset renewals, and strategic planning work.
• Movement in net borrowings.

Key focus areas include:

• Ongoing service provision
• Delivery of a balanced and sustainable budget.
• Alignment with the Strategic Plan 2024–2028, Asset Management Plans, Long Term Financial Plan and Mount Gambier 2035 Community Vision.
• Investment in essential infrastructure and asset renewals.
• Response to ESCOSA recommendations on financial governance.
• Continued recovery from post-COVID economic impacts.

Rates are determined based on the revenue required to provide services to the community. Council reviews various options to balance community expectations, financial targets and budget delivery capacity. Individual rates depend on property valuations as supplied by the Office of the Valuer General, which will be finalised in June 2025.

A proposed general rate revenue increase of 8.18% (excluding growth) is under consideration to ensure organisational capacity and achieve financial targets by 2026/2027. This may result in around an additional $35.00 per quarter (including the waste service change) for the average residential ratepayer, though actual amounts will vary based on property value changes.

Council needs to balance maintaining and improving assets and services with long-term financial sustainability. Rates help fund around 63% of Council’s income. Cost increases in waste management, materials and labour, in addition to past under-indexed rates, mean adjustments are necessary to maintain services and achieve long term financial sustainability. Council has held five workshops (plus an additional workshop with the Audit and Risk committee) reviewing a range of topics from fees and charges, capital expenditure, strategic work plan, rates and long term implications to arrive at this decision.

The budget aligns with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, includes ESCOSA recommendations, and uses robust cost review processes. It prioritises:

• Asset renewal to prevent future liabilities.
• Careful resourcing.
• Transparent and responsible rating policy changes.

Council has included a response section to the ESCOSA advice issued in February 2025, particularly around:

• Strengthening financial discipline.
• Improving transparency in rating policies.
• Aligning service levels with sustainable revenue.

Key capital and strategic projects include:

• CBD Master Planning and activation initiatives.
• Civic Centre renewal (roof and lift upgrades).
• Road reconstructions (Lake Terrace East, Wireless Road West, Davison Drive).
• Blue Lake/Warwar solar lighting renewal.
• Shared path extension to O’Leary Road.
• Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre AV upgrade.
• Master planning for parks and open spaces (Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul).
• Strategic unlocking projects to enhance organisational performance and data-driven decision making.

Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is now an ongoing service and facility for our community. Operational costs and depreciation apply to Wulanda, as to all services and venues which Council provides. Wulanda also attracts interest repayments due to financing the centre over several years, as an intergenerational asset. The 2025/2026 budget for Wulanda has reduced compared to 2024/2025 due to improved utility contracts and the careful management of loans. The operating, interest and depreciation costs of the facility are factored into the budget and Long Term Financial Plan.

The WSC covers the cost of waste management services, including bin collection, waste treatment, and disposal. In 2025/2026, the WSC is set at $344.00, charged to properties where the service is available.

The WSC increase reflects the actual costs of kerbside bin collection and associated waste management.

Ratepayers experiencing financial hardship can access relief options, including alternative payment plans and rate capping. Contact the rates office at 08 8721 2561 or email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au for assistance.

Community feedback is crucial for determining services and projects. You can provide feedback:

• Online through Have Your Say Mount Gambier - written submissions on the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget close on Thursday 12 June 2025 at 5:00pm. 
• By email at city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
• By registering to speak to a submission at a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday 17 June at 5:00pm - registrations for the intent to present a verbal submission close on Tuesday 17 June 2025 at 12:00pm. 

Draft budget information sessions will be held at the Mount Gambier Library on Tuesday 10 June 2025 12:00pm – 1:00pm and Wednesday 11 June 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Bookings can be made by phone on 8721 2555 or email exateam@mountgambier.sa.gov.au

At this stage, Council plans to adopt the documents at a Special Council Meeting for the budget on 24 June 2025 at 6:00pm.