The Port Augusta City Council’s Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget for the 2023/24 rating year, will be open for community consultation during June, so the community can have their say.

Every year, Council makes important choices regarding services, facilities, upgrades, and new projects. These decisions are carefully considered in alignment with the Council's Long Term Financial Plan, which aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation. The plan is also guided by the Council's Strategic Directions 2019-2029 and Infrastructure Asset Management Plans.

The Council faces the challenge of delivering a diverse range of services that meet the community's expectations while operating with a relatively low number of rate payers.

The 2023/24 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget proposes an increase of 6% in general rate revenue from the 2022/23 budget.
An operating deficit of $1.862 million is proposed which is as per Council’s adopted Long Term Financial Plan excluding the annual savings target.

The proposed operating deficit contributes $30,200 towards the Long-Term Financial Plan annual savings target of $136,000.
The basis of rating will be Capital Value with a fixed charge of $900, as per the 2022/23 financial year. Differential percentages are also the same as 2022/23 financial year.

Council will continue to phase in the impact from the change in basis of rating that occurred in the 2021/22 rating year with a cap of 10% above the general rates payable in the 2023/24 year for residential land use and 20% above the general rates payable in the 2023/24 year for all other land uses ^{*exclusions apply}

Key highlights from the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget include:

• $455,000 towards new operating initiatives including, delivery of a concept plan for the Westside Jetty, Sand Replenishment for the East Side Beach Revitalisation and continued planning for Stormwater Management to prioritise future works
• $3.649 million towards renewing and upgrading Council’s assets in accordance with Infrastructure Asset Management Plans
• Delivery of $1.437 million in new capital projects in addition to Infrastructure Asset Management Plans.

Feedback from the community is very important – Having “Your Say” assists Council to understand the needs of the community.

Two community information sessions will be held on Thursday 8th June 2023 at 11.00am and 5.30pm at the Central Oval Community Complex.

Copies of the Draft 2023/24 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget are available to view at the Civic Centre’s front foyer and on Council’s website. Online submissions may be made through Council’s website https://www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/enquiries/your-say/current-consultation/draft-business-plan-23-24 (via the ‘Your Say’ portal).

Written submissions are encouraged either via Council’s website form submission, by e-mail to admin@portaugusta.sa.gov.au or hard copy to CEO Port Augusta City Council, Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street (PO Box 1704) Port Augusta SA 5700 and must be received by Wednesday 21st June 2023 at 5pm.

Members of the community who wish to make a verbal submission to Council must register their interest on 8641 9144 by 5pm Wednesday 21st June 2023 to enable arrangements to be made.

A Special Council Meeting to receive public submissions relative to the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is proposed to be held on Tuesday 27th June 2023 at 5.30pm.

Please note that details of submissions will be included in a report within Council’s public agenda and copies of all submissions will be provided to Elected Members for perusal.

For further information please contact Council’s Media and Communications Officer on (08) 8641 9100

JOHN BANKS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
26/05/2023