Consultation opens on Murray Bridge council’s draft 2026-27 annual business plan and budget
Here’s how you can have your say before June 9.
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The Rural City of Murray Bridge has released its draft 2026-27 annual business plan and budget for consultation.
It sets out what council plans to deliver next year, including services, community projects and proposed rates.
In preparing this budget, council has taken a balanced and responsible approach, carefully considering the increasing cost-of-living pressures facing households while maintaining a strong focus on long-term financial sustainability.
Importantly, this approach has enabled council to deliver an average general rate increase of 3.9 per cent.
This increase remains below CPI, helping to ease financial pressure on the community, while continuing to invest in the services and infrastructure for our rural city.
Mayor Wayne Thorley said Council had taken a considered and community-focused approach in developing the plan.
“What we’re hearing from our community is that rising cost-of-living pressures are placing increasing financial stress on households,” he said.
“This budget is designed to ease that pressure while ensuring we continue to deliver essential services.
“Over the past three years, council has worked hard to strengthen our financial position.
“We now have resilient operations that will support our city as it continues to grow.
“Our strong relationships with the state government also position us to benefit from a record $100 million investment in our rural city and outer townships over the next four years.”
The draft plan proposes a capital works program of $12.8 million, featuring public toilet upgrades, stormwater upgrades, swimming centre works, footpath construction and a new BMX dirt bike track at Sturt Reserve.
It also supports ongoing investment in open space, recreation and road infrastructure programs, aligned with council’s long-term growth strategy.
Chief executive officer Heather Barclay said the budget reflected disciplined planning and a focus on maintaining stability.
“This budget concentrates on getting the fundamentals right,” she said.
“It ensures our day-to-day operations are fully supported and a modest surplus is delivered, while maintaining the capacity to invest in strategic priorities.
“Our previous three years of strong financial planning means we’re also able to stay within our borrowing limit and maintain existing services, providing stability and confidence for our community and staff.
“However, it’s important to note that local government operations are preparing for the impact of rising costs of fuel, construction materials, contractors and interest rate pressures; this could change the shape of project delivery this year.”
Council acknowledges in the plan that, following the sale of the Lerwin Residential Aged Care Facility last year, it is moving into a different operating environment.
Following a resolution by council, the investment of the sale proceeds will be considered by the newly elected council later this year.
Council now invites the community to provide feedback on the draft 2026-27 annual business plan and budget.
In line with this, council has also released its draft long-term financial plan, draft fees and charges schedule and draft rating policy 2026-27 for community consultation.
- Have your say: Visit letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/draft-annual-business-plan-and-budget-2026-27; email council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au; or write to the Rural City of Murray Bridge, PO Box 421, Murray Bridge SA 5253 by 11.59pm on June 9. Alternatively, you can attend a public meeting at the Murray Bridge local government centre at 7pm on June 9.
Advertising to more than 20,000 highly engaged locals can do wonders for your business. Call Jane Intini on 0418 835 768 or email jane@murraybridge.news.
Peri Strathearn
