Community consultation has begun on the City of Adelaide's 2024-25 Business Plan and Budget, with an average rate hike of 5.9% proposed.
Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said consultation was an important part of the annual business planning and budget process.
“There are many ways to provide feedback, both online and in person,” the mayor said.
“This year, council is focusing on face-to-face feedback opportunities at Adelaide Central Market, Hutt Street, Hindley Street, Melbourne Street and Pirie Street.”
The main elements of the 2024/25 Draft Business Plan and Budget (DP&B) are:
- Investing more than $110 million in capital projects programs. This includes more than $56 million in capital updates for his more than $2 billion worth of council assets (including roads, sidewalks and parks).
- and buildings) to ensure compliance with accounting standards.
- 1.5 per cent of fee income will go toward upgrading Park Lands buildings to ensure sports clubs and communities have the facilities they need for current and future generations.
- Implemented the Main Street Revitalization Program, initiated Hindley Street upgrades, and used community input to design Gouger, O'Connell and Hutt Street upgrades.
- Stimulating growth in the city's economy through major investments such as the City Council-led property development at Market Square and 218-232 Flinders Street; $22.889 million for parkland and open space maintenance; $8.325 million for road renewal; $1 million to focus on core community services, including an investment of $5.377 million in libraries and $5.832 million in waste management.
- We spent $3,531,000 on implementing integrated climate strategy initiatives to help move Adelaide towards a climate-resilient future.
The Mayor said the City Council has been working hard for many months on drafting the BP&B and giving the community as many opportunities as possible to provide feedback.
“Throughout this process, we have considered various scenarios, but simply put, we will stick to the status quo, add in all budget bids that are in line with our strategic plan and newly adopted strategy, and add some Funding that selected member project would have required a significant rate increase,” the mayor said.
