Submissions close soon on Council’s draft plan for the 2025/2026 financial year
What we have worked hard to do this year is produce a workable, reasonable and fair budget given the state of living challenges we all face. Council has developed a considered forward plan which ensures it can continue to provide regular services to the community and meet its obligations on asset renewal programs, in alignment with its Strategic Plan.
The draft budget refers to a 2.8% increase in the average general rate. The average general rate is the mean calculation for the region: total rates revenue divided by total number of properties. For 2025/2026, this is proposed to be $2,308 and is different for each land use code, and will be different for each individual property.
The calculation for expected general rates revenue has been done based on property valuation data Council received from the Valuer-General in March this year, which was a 10% overall total increase from last year (not per property). To minimise the impact of these property value increases, Council reduced the rate (cents-in-the-dollar) to achieve a 2.8% increase.
This week (as of 21 June), Council received property valuation data that showed a 12.35% overall total increase. If Council decides to adopt a 2.8% increase to average general rates, the cents-in-the-dollar will be adjusted to reflect the most recent property valuation data it has, in order to maintain the 2.8%. In very simple terms, the 2.8% average general rates increase aims to already reflect potential property value increases.
If residents believe their property valuation is incorrect when they receive their first quarter rates notice, an objection can be lodged with the Valuer-General within 60 days of receipt of notice. Information about this is on Council’s website, and on the back of the rates notice.
This year, Council is also proposing to introduce a 15% rates cap where the valuation increase is not the result of development on the property, to reduce unreasonable hardship on ratepayers. This proposal applies to all land use codes and the details are in our Draft Rating Policy.
We understand that people in our community may be experiencing financial hardship and find it hard to keep up with their council rates. If this applies to you, please contact us as soon as possible to request financial hardship assistance and discuss the different options available.
Extremes in ratepayer expectations of Council services creates a very challenging situation for Council Members to decide what services are increased, maintained or removed. Council Members are at all times considering ways to find that balance and meet those expectations. Raising enough revenue from rates while at the same time trying not to incur unreasonable hardship on ratepayers is difficult.
To date, Council has received eight written submissions. Feedback from all members of our community is important, and people can comment on any part of the plan – including which new proposed projects are important.
The community can have their say by:
Sending feedback online
- apc.sa.gov.au/have-your-say
Writing to Council
- info@apc.sa.gov.au
- PO Box 18, Mallala SA 5502
Mark Wasley
Mayor
23 June 2025
Published 23 June 2025