The Barossa Council is continuing its program of sound economic management with a draft 2023-24 budget underpinned by "responsible investment".
The draft budget, out for public consultation from 14 June to 4 July, proposes an average 3.5% increase in general rate revenue, well below the last quarter Consumer Price Index of 7.9%.
Waste disposal and wastewater service charges have risen consistent with CPI.
Key highlights of the budget include:
• nearly $3 million for rural and town road upgrades and preparation design work to consider sealing Fife Street, Angaston in the 2024-25 budget
• $750,000 in 2023-24 ($3 million over the next four years) to seal key rural connector roads. Prioritised roads commence with Keyneton Road (first of three years), Craneford Road and Meadows Road, Kalbeeba
• $1 million for stormwater projects, primarily Baird Street drainage in Nuriootpa
• reconstruction of Tanunda Oval to attract major events
• doubling the footpath program each year for the next 10 years to upgrade Council's existing network
• $8.7 million investment in The Big Project sites at Lyndoch, Tanunda, Nuriootpa and Mount Pleasant, subject to funding
• completing land use planning for the next 30 years to meet a growing community
• specific road upgrades including at Julius Street, Tanunda and Melrose Street, Mount Pleasant ahead of resealing by the State Government
The budget also positions Council to commence investment in the Barossa Creative Industries Centre with construction starting in 2024-25, subject to funding.
Mayor Bim Lange said Council had bucked the trend of many Councils proposing significant rate increases.
"More than ever, we know our community is feeling the pinch,"
"For this reason our budget balances the needs of the community while delivering savings and efficiencies, as well as new investment," he said.
The Landscape Levy imposed by the State Government has been increased by an average of $16 per property, from $36 to $52. Council lobbied to phase in this increase over a 5-year period but was unsuccessful.
