Coorong council rated as ‘mostly sustainable’

The Coorong council is now on a “mostly sustainable” footing after years of uncertainty, according to an industry umpire.

The Essential Services Commission of South Australia recently reviewed the council’s finances, to make sure that it was keeping property rates down while still providing needed services.

Its verdict?

After being in an unsustainable position over the past 10 years, the council was now mostly sustainable and looked like staying that way.

It was slightly concerning that the council planned to rely on rate increases of around 4.8 per cent each year over the next decade, meaning people’s rates bills would continue to grow faster than the rate of inflation.

But for a district with just 5600 residents spread across 8800 square kilometres, the Coorong was doing alright.

The council was being proactive about managing its assets – mostly roads – and transparent about the fact that its financial position had forced it to delay about $10 million worth of upgrades.

Coorong Mayor Paul Simmons welcomed the review’s findings.

“ESCOSA’s report validates the hard work done in recent years by staff and council, supported by our audit and risk committee’s independent members,” he said.

“We are very pleased, but not necessarily surprised, by the report’s findings.

“Council has a good grasp on what it needs to do to keep on the path of financial sustainability, asset renewal and minimising the financial burden for ratepayers.”

ESCOSA had previously rated the Murray Bridge council as “sustainable” in 2023 and Karoonda East Murray as “mostly sustainable” last year.

The agency reviews all South Australian councils every four years.

• More information: www.escosa.sa.gov.au.