Council considers the final adoption of the 2025-26 Budget

This week, we will consider the final adoption of the 2025-26 Budget.

Over the past few months of budget scrutiny, we have reduced the proposed increase in council rates from 6% to 4.9%. Nearly half a million dollars’ worth of savings have been found, and now we are endorsing a budget with an operating surplus of $181,000 – this time last year, we were looking at a deficit of $1.6 million.

Times are tough for our community, and the rising costs of pretty much everything is hard on us all. Unfortunately, council isn’t immune to this either.  

However, we have worked to deliver a budget – which I believe – is all about balance.

Balance between investing in our infrastructure, and maintaining essential services.

Balance between preserving the heritage of our town, and investing to ensure it continues growing into a thriving community.

Balance between delivering on what our community expects of our town, while also keeping rates as low as possible.

Last year, the average residential rate increase was 6%. This year, it’s 4.8%. While this budget isn’t perfect, I think it’s a good compromise.

This budget balances financial responsibility with community priorities and long-term financial goals, while keeping the increase to rates as low as we can.

I am excited about a number of items that will be commencing and delivered in the new financial year, such as:

• New courts for the Gawler and District Tennis Association

• A resurfaced carpark at the Tamblien train station, with a new footpath connecting it to Evanston Gardens Primary School

• Stormwater improvements on Main North Road at Willaston

• New toilets at Clonlea Park

• And, as painful and expensive as it is, finally getting that bloody wall fixed!

But I am also conscious this is still a budget that asks our community to give more, and sadly, now puts our average rate bill for an average household at over $2,000.

Our community has given us the responsibility of managing their money, it is now our responsibility to deliver on that promise in the best interests of our community.