The Barossa Council’s draft 2025-26 Annual Business Plan and Budget balances sound investment and spending while minimising the rating impact for ratepayers.
The draft 2025/26 business plan and budget proposes a net increase of 3.95% average increase in general rates and charges to existing ratepayers who receive all services. Community consultation on the draft budget is open until 6 June 2025.
Council’s investment in critical infrastructure continues with over $7.6 million allocated for transport, stormwater, bridges and footpath infrastructure. Approximately $2.1m is earmarked for maintaining roads, bridges, kerbs, road vegetation and tree management, with $2.8m for renewing and upgrading roadsContinue reading
The Barossa Council’s draft 2025-26 Annual Business Plan and Budget balances sound investment and spending while minimising the rating impact for ratepayers.
The draft 2025/26 business plan and budget proposes a net increase of 3.95% average increase in general rates and charges to existing ratepayers who receive all services. Community consultation on the draft budget is open until 6 June 2025.
Council’s investment in critical infrastructure continues with over $7.6 million allocated for transport, stormwater, bridges and footpath infrastructure. Approximately $2.1m is earmarked for maintaining roads, bridges, kerbs, road vegetation and tree management, with $2.8m for renewing and upgrading roads and $525,000 for renewing footpaths.
Yettie Road at Williamstown will be redeveloped with an allocation of $1 million over two years, subject to a successful road funding application. The final section of Keyneton Road will also be sealed at a cost of $400,000.
With the completion of the rugby, soccer and Barossa Park precincts, Council will prioritise the next phase of investments in readiness for future funding opportunities, including Williamstown oval repurposing, Stockwell second oval and equestrian investment at Talunga Park.
Construction will begin on the $15million landmark Barossa Creative Industries Centre, with the Commonwealth contributing $6.9 million and the State Government pitching in $500,000.
To support future economic development opportunities, cycle infrastructure will get a boost with $100,000 to continue the work of the State to connect Birdwood to Mount Pleasant via the rail corridor.
Revitalising our town precincts will continue with almost $100,000 allocated for streetscaping projects. Other highlights include:
• Almost $500,000 to manage halls and community facilities
• $1.2m for parks, gardens, playgrounds and open spaces
• $1.4 million for community and gallery programs
• $1.6 million for library services and facilities
• $50,000 to improve pedestrian and traffic safety adjacent Nuriootpa High
Subject to third-party funding, lighting will be upgraded to 300 lux at Nuriootpa Centennial Park and Angas Recreation Park ($880,000), along with the redevelopment of Nuriootpa netball and tennis courts ($920,000).
With planning well underway for the State-led Concordia growth area and priorities in the Barossa Growth and Infrastructure Investment Strategy, Barossa Mayor Bim Lange says Council is committed to ensuring infrastructure investment and service levels meet the needs of our growing community.
“It’s more important than ever that we direct spending to core infrastructure and services to hold is in good stead for future generations,” Mayor Lange said.
People can make comment on the draft budget, incorporating the review of the Long Term Financial Plan, in the form below or make a verbal submission to Council on Wednesday, 4 June at 5.30pm for one hour in the Council chambers at 43-51 Tanunda Road Nuriootpa.
Feedback can also be given via email barossa@barossa.sa.gov.au, or in writing (PO Box 867, Nuriootpa SA 5355).
