03 May, 2017

Infrastructure investments, rate in dollar freeze headline City’s draft budget

The City of Adelaide has released its draft 2017-18 Integrated Business Plan for community feedback, including major infrastructure investments to ensure it remains one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Lord Mayor Martin Haese says Council has delivered a strong and sustainable draft Integrated Business Plan that will support the City’s continued economic and social growth.

“Our Integrated Business Plan is directly aligned to the City of Adelaide’s 2016-2020 Strategic Plan with funds being prioritised for projects and initiatives that support our strategic objectives of Adelaide becoming a smart, green, liveable and creative city.”

Ratepayers are also set to benefit from Council’s intention to freeze the rate in the dollar for the third year in a row.

Council plans to freeze the general rate in the dollar for 2017-18 at the same levels as 2016-17 for both Residential and Non-Residential ratepayers.*

The Lord Mayor says freezing the rate in the dollar is part of Council’s drive to minimise potential financial impacts on ratepayers, while continuing to deliver high quality services and manage the city’s assets as cost effectively as possible.

“The draft budget outcome reflects a rigorous process of review and challenge to every aspect of Council’s projected revenue and expenditure.

“Combined savings and efficiencies identified during the 2017-18 budget cycle exceed $3 million, which has created capacity to absorb significant incremental cost pressures in areas such as energy prices and technology costs.”

Key features of the 2017-18 Plan include:

• Investment of $33.8 million in city infrastructure to ensure Adelaide remains one of the world’s most liveable cities
• In addition, Council is also contributing $16.8 million for the City Bikeways network, Gawler Place redevelopment, and Market to Riverbank Laneways Link
• Contribution of $2.5 million (bringing total investment to $5 million) towards the East End tram stop and streetscape upgrades as part of the State Government’s light rail extension from King William Street to East Terrace
• Commitment of $14.8 million to Park Lands projects and maintenance (including $4.7 million to improve community facilities with better play spaces, lighting, landscaping and accessibility)
• Allocation of $7.3 million in grants and sponsorships to support a range of cultural celebrations, community collaborations and recreational events , working with strategic partners such as Festivals
• Adelaide, Renew Adelaide, Study Adelaide, Adelaide Convention Bureau and Music SA
• Grants and sponsorships includes strategic incentive program investment with $1.4 million allocated for Council’s Climate Change Action initiatives fund and $1.3 million for built heritage management grants
• Commitment of $1.1 million towards business growth and innovation opportunities to promote economic development, and
• Allocation of $0.5 million to continue work on the next stage of the Central Market Arcade Redevelopment Master Plan
• Additional support for community centres, community development, and homelessness, volunteering and reconciliation programs.

The Lord Mayor is encouraging the community to provide feedback about how the Council plans to manage its spending and revenues before the Plan is finalised in late June.

“Councillors are very keen to hear from residents and businesses with their views and ideas about our priorities.”

Consultation on the draft Plan is open from until 22 May 2017. Feedback can be provided:

• Online at: yoursay.cityofadelaide.com.au
• Via email at: [email protected]
• In writing to: Community Consultation: Draft 2017-18 Integrated Business Plan
• GPO Box 2252, Adelaide SA 5001
• Feedback forms are available from City of Adelaide’s Customer Service Centre, libraries and community centres.

A special council meeting will also be held on 22 May 2017 at 5:30pm at the Adelaide Town Hall for public submissions and a Q&A session with Elected Members.

* Final rates payable are subject to updated property valuations to be provided by the SA Valuer-General.

Simon Latimer