2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget Adopted

The City of Victor Harbor’s 2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget was adopted at a Special Council Meeting on Monday, 8 July 2024.

Balance has been key in the preparation of the budget as Council works to keep rate increases to a minimum, while providing for a selection of projects and initiatives that service the needs of the community now and into the future.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins, said Council has a responsibility to invest appropriately in Victor Harbor for now and the future.

“Our actions today, set us up for success tomorrow,” said Mayor Jenkins.

“We are balancing the delivery of core services relied on by our community – such as waste management, roads, footpaths, library, economic development, public safety, youth and aged services, and more – while also planning for our rapidly growing population.”

The 2024/25 budget forecasts a capital works program worth $14 million (net) and operating expenditure of $40.5 million resulting in a $4 million deficit. The deficit is attributed to expenses for the progression of the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct (The Precinct) project and phase two rollout of Council’s corporate systems update that will help achieve efficiencies well into the future. It will be funded through borrowings in recognition of the intergenerational benefit the projects provide.

To find efficiencies and cost savings, the budget was developed from a zero base. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has only been applied where absolutely necessary, and only to relevant materials and supplies.

Price increases have been absorbed as much as possible, as Council has done for the past three budgets, and staff will continue to seek additional savings over the year. While cost savings have been found in many project areas, an average rates payable increase of 6.0% is still required in order to maintain Council’s financial sustainability.

“There is no doubt that households are struggling with cost of living pressures. Councils across South Australia have been trying to find efficiencies for their communities while still delivering a broad range of essential services relied on by many,” said Mayor Jenkins.

“The Council has kept the 2024/25 average rates payable increase as low as it can, without impacting our financial position or the requirement for more significant increases in the future.”

The Precinct is set to be Council’s flagship project in 2024/25 and has been a hot topic within the community over the past several months. The $2.5 million budget allocation provides a necessary provision for the project to move forward, should the Council resolve to do so.

“The Precinct will be the single largest civic investment on record for the Council. We have meticulously planned this project with our community at heart and know that what is to be delivered will support the southern Fleurieu region for many generations,” said Mayor Jenkins.

“There are still several steps to go in this project as negotiations with a private consortium continue over the coming months. The Council is very aware of the magnitude of the decisions to come and is undertaking rigorous due diligence to ensure it achieves the best outcome possible for our community.”

In adopting the 2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget, the Council noted large numbers of engagement from the community during the consultation periods.

“During both our early engagement phase in November 2023, and our recent consultation on a draft document, we heard from a large number of people within our community,” said Mayor Jenkins.

“I’d really like to thank everyone that dropped into one of our listening posts or completed a survey. Your contribution is valued and was taken into consideration before the budget was adopted.”

To view the 2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget, please visit victor.sa.gov.au/abp