Sophie Conlon
A GENERAL rate rise of 6.2 per cent is on the cards for City of Mount Gambier ratepayers as the council releases its Draft 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget for public consultation.
Mayor Lynette Martin said this rate increase came after councillors decided on a smoothing approach to raising rates.
“During Covid, the council applied a zero rate increase to assist ratepayers and in 2022/23 rate increases were below CPI,” she said.
“Therefore after careful and measured consideration council has made the decision to increase rates to remain fiscally responsible in line with our long term objectives.
“Elected members have taken into consideration the cost of living pressures on our residents and ratepayers, and with that in mind we have decided to adopt a smoothing approach to rate revenue increases for the next three years to ease the burden on household budgets.”
The draft budget outlines the council will operate at $45.1 million while with a deficit of $2.8 million next financial year.
Ms Martin said this was larger than the goal outlined in the 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan, which is due to inflation pressures in materials, contracts and utilities.
“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,” she said.
“Current indications demonstrate that the average rates notice in Mount Gambier will remain below the average in both South Australia and neighbouring council areas.”
Chief executive Sarah Philpott said the council was dedicated to offering a wide range of services to benefit residents.
“We are proud to provide these services and committed to ensuring ongoing sustainability so that services and facilities are provided to a high standard,” she said.
Major projects highlighted in the draft documents include the continued activation and running of Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, the creation of a Frew Park amenities design, and the development of a waste management strategy to reduce avoidable waste to landfill to zero by 2030.
Other projects outlined include the building of a storage unit to host library equipment ($95,000), renovation at the Mount Gambier Works Depot ($100,000), and the creation and reconstruction of various footpaths and roads.
The document is available for community feedback until Thursday, June 15, and can be viewed at the council office, Mount Gambier Library or online at haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au
Feedback can be provided online, via email or post.
Elected members will consider feedback at a special council meeting on Tuesday, June 20, where the plan will be adopted.