30 May, 2023

Have your say on the draft budget

Consultation on the City of Adelaide’s Draft Business Plan & Budget (BP&B) 2023/24 is underway – and there are more opportunities than ever before to have your say.

The BP&B is open for consultation until 18 June, with more information available here including details on the many ways to provide feedback. However, this year, there’s a particular focus on a range of in-person opportunities.

These opportunities include public drop-in sessions at Council’s Customer Centre, North Adelaide Community Centre and the City Library.

The Lord Mayor is also hosting public forums at the North Adelaide Community Centre and Minor Works building, and a public hearing is being held at the Tuesday 13 June Council meeting.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said the new Council wanted to give the community as many opportunities as possible to comment.

“There has been a lot of commentary about this draft budget but it’s now time for our community to provide its feedback,” said the Lord Mayor.

“If you disagree with some elements of the budget or think we may have missed something important in your local area, please let us know.

“I accept there’s some angst about proposed changes to parking fees and the transitional return of outdoor dining fees, but I don’t think anyone expected fees and charges could be permanently waived.

“Without the average and modest increases of around 5 per cent, we would need to cut services or street upgrades.”

Chief Executive Officer Clare Mockler also called on the community to have its say.

“After supporting ratepayers through the COVID-19 pandemic, including waived fees and charges, on top of nine years of freezing the rate in the dollar, Council has made some tough financial decisions and we want to hear our community’s views on these decisions,” said Ms Mockler.

“This is the first Business Plan and Budget of the new Council and focuses on post-COVID-19 budget repair and upgrades to city infrastructure and I commend Council on their courage and conviction that now is the right time to propose budget repair action to the community.

“Revenue raised through these budget measures can be directed to urgent upgrades of our basic city infrastructure, including footpaths and other crucial assets – and delivering valued outcomes for the community.”

Matt Halliwell