14 Aug, 2020

City Budget Signed Off

The City of Adelaide Draft 2020 - 2021 Budget has been approved, with Council committing to freezing the rate in the dollar for the seventh consecutive year.

Non-commercial fees and charges will also be frozen at existing levels for the first time to assist our community in recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.

Council will freeze the general rate in the dollar for 2020 - 2021 for all ratepayers* – the seventh consecutive year Council has done so, at a combined benefit of more than $16 million for our ratepayers.

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said it is a budget designed to support residents, businesses, building owners, students and visitors.

“We fully understand the financial pressures our community is facing and will do all we can to support the community,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Freezing the rate in the dollar for ratepayers and freezing fees and charges such as on-street parking are initiatives we know can really help at a time like this.

“We’ve extended our popular UPark Plus offer, providing a cheap, convenient and contactless parking experience for people coming into the city.

“We’re also continuing to closely monitor the financial impact of COVID-19 on commercial ratepayers. In addition to this budget, initiatives like our City Business Support Package – in partnership with Business SA – are in place to support city and North Adelaide businesses.

“The budget will help to reduce homelessness in the city, deliver Reconciliation projects and support our environment through waste initiatives and greening of streets.

“As more people return to the city, Council’s focus is on sustainably steering the city through the pandemic and into recovery.

“We do this while also progressing with significant projects like 88 O’Connell, the Adelaide Central Market Arcade redevelopment, Ten Gigabit Adelaide and the City Wide Business Model.”

The Budget is anchored by Council’s new strategic plan outcomes of: Thriving Communities; Strong Economies; Dynamic City Culture; Environmental Leadership and outlines what will be delivered in the first year of this new strategic plan.

*Based on updated valuations the average rates payable will decrease by 1.19% excluding new developments, additions and alterations. The growth in total assessments for 2020-21 was 2.94%

Key Activities for 2020 – 2021

Council has prioritised a range of activities, projects and infrastructure to be delivered in 2020 – 2021 and will leverage these opportunities to deliver on our Strategic Plan.

Thriving Communities

• Work with key partners to reduce homelessness in the City

• Implement East-West and North-South bikeways, providing safe access for people riding bikes in the city

Strong Economies

• Secure the preferred proponent for 88 O’Connell and obtain project development approvals

• Progress design development to secure project development approval and commence early site works at the Adelaide Central Market Arcade redevelopment

• Develop a program to create a range of experiences and opportunities to support local businesses and the community

• Establish a new subsidiary of Council to accelerate economic growth through attracting investment and supporting the growth of business, residents, visitor, events, festivals and students

Dynamic City Culture

• Work in partnership with the Kaurna community to deliver Reconciliation projects and to ensure Kaurna Culture is both recognised and supported through integration into Council strategies, project planning and other initiatives

• Deliver new and diverse play spaces, undertake further planning to guide future works and complete improvements to existing activity spaces

• Work with our partners to deliver musical laneways and support events and activations to celebrate Adelaide’s culture of live music and performance

Environmental Leadership

• Increase tree plantings, greening of streets and garden beds in identified parts of the City and design and construct greening and paths around Whitmore Square

• Deliver a new Waste and Recycling Strategy and Programs to support our residents, businesses and community to reduce waste and improve recycling and organics outcomes

• Deliver feasibility assessments and design work for a River Torrens Wetlands and Urban Nature Space

The delivery of these is supported by our 2020 – 2021

Enabling Priority key activities:

• Expand access to and availability of data and insights through online tools and integrated Council reporting and workshops

• Understand the value and importance of services to deliver efficient outcomes to our community and review

corporate services to deliver efficient internal support

• Develop a new policy covering the way council buys goods and services, with a focus on best value for money and improving social, environmental, cultural and local business outcomes

Matt Halliwell