Council adopts 2026–2027 Annual Business Plan and Budget

Following an extensive community consultation process, the Council adopted the 2026–2027 Annual Business Plan and Budget at its meeting held on Tuesday, 7 July 2026.

“The 2026–2027 Annual Business Plan and Budget represents a prudent approach to the Council’s financial management that is carefully balanced with ongoing investment in the City’s infrastructure,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

“The Council adopted a general residential rate increase of 5.37% which is inline with the Council’s Long-term Financial Plan and responsive to the advice of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia.”

Financial sustainability and strategic policy reform

In developing the 2026–2027 Budget, the Council focused heavily on maintaining its long-term financial sustainability in response to unprecedented global economic challenges and the advice from the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA).

Mayor Bria says that the Council has been reviewing several factors to "ensure its ongoing financial sustainability" while navigating a landscape of high inflation and escalating costs.

“To address these challenges, the Council is implementing several policy reforms, including a revised Long-term Financial Plan designed to reduce debt levels and projected loan borrowings.”

Proposed gym at Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre

As a result of the community consultation process, which resulted in 29 written submissions and a public meeting, the Council resolved not to proceed with the proposal to construct a gym and associated car park at the new Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre.

This decision followed careful consideration of public feedback that was received during the consultation period.

“Given the Council’s focus on the budget and achieving reasonable levels of rate increases, additional capital investment in new projects and borrowings were not considered appropriate at this time,” says Mayor Bria.

The redevelopment of the Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre itself continues to progress, with practical completion expected in August 2026 and a scheduled opening in late September 2026.

Commitment to infrastructure

Despite the focus on debt reduction, the 2026–2027 Budget maintains a significant investment in the City’s essential civil and building assets.

The $14 million Capital Works Program includes $6.6 million for the renewal of civil infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and kerbing, and $2 million for stormwater drainage upgrades.

Mayor Bria emphasises that the Budget reflects the Council’s "ongoing strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing our City’s assets, with infrastructure investment remaining a core focus to ensure future generations benefit from what we build today".

“Even amidst economic unknowns, the Council must continue to focus on our community’s priorities by providing quality services and infrastructure".

The 2026–2027 Annual Business Plan and Budget is available, visit: Annual Business Plan