Council adopts responsible 2025/2026 annual business plan and budget

Published 8th August 2025

Council has adopted a responsible plan for the 2025/2026 financial year that ensures it can continue to provide regular services to the community and maintain its asset renewal program, while continuing progress on its Strategic Plan.

New initiatives to look forward to include a youth development program, community grants, heritage survey and master plan for a Thompson Beach foreshore park.

This year’s $4.538m capital works program focuses on asset renewal, covering 42km of road resheeting and 10km of road resealing. New lighting, footpaths and pedestrian crossings in various locations around Two Wells are also planned.

All day-to-day services and programs will continue to be delivered, supported by an estimated $3m in grant funding for roads, coastal conservation and libraries.

Financially, $20.686m is budgeted for recurrent, operating and capital expenses. A recurrent income of $20.424m is estimated, including $14.384m from general rates.

After taking on board the community’s concerns around the effects of the costs of living on paying their daily bills, the chamber has adopted a responsible 2.8% general rate increase for a majority of ratepayers through the application of a discretionary rate cap.

This responsible decision will allow Council to continue its current service levels while acknowledging the very real struggles of our community.

The 2025/2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget was adopted at the 6 August Special Council Meeting. A summary will be available to view on Council’s website from Wednesday 13 August.

David Paton

Acting Mayor

Published 8 August 2025