Draft Annual Budget and Business Plan 2023-24

Council is continuing its program of sound economic management with a draft 2023-24 budget underpinned by “responsible investment”.

The draft Annual Budget and Business Plan 2023-24 is out for public consultation from 14 June to 4 July, and proposes an average 3.5% increase in general rate revenue, well below the last quarter Consumer Price Index of 7.9%.

We have seen significant cost increases to deliver waste and wastewater systems, and these service charges will rise more than anticipated.

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.

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.

People can make comment on the draft budget, incorporating the review of the Long Term Financial Plan 2023-24, in the form below or make a verbal submission to Council on 5 July at 5.30pm in the Council chambers at 43-51 Tanunda Road Nuriootpa.

Feedback can also be given via facebook.com/thebarossacouncil, via email barossa@barossa.sa.gov.au, or in writing (PO Box 867, Nuriootpa SA 5355).