Draft annual business plan and budget focuses on services and preparing for growth
Consultation has opened on the Murray Bridge council’s draft budget for 2025-26, and two other important documents.
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Maintaining existing services while actively preparing for growth is the primary theme of the Rural City of Murray Bridge’s draft annual business plan and budget 2025-26, with a focus on what really matters: our places, people, planning and strong partnerships.
Public consultation on the plan began on Thursday 15 May for a 21-day period which will close at 5pm on Thursday 5 June.
As part of this consultation, council is also seeking feedback on the draft schedule of fees and charges and rating policy for 2025-26.
The draft annual business plan and budget outlines the services, activities and infrastructure projects council proposes to deliver over the next 12 months – supporting the needs of our growing community while maintaining the core services residents value, like maintaining public spaces, hosting community events, and delivering community programs.
“This annual business plan and budget sets out the key steps we’re taking now to support both our current and future communities, making sure we’re ready for what’s ahead and set up to grow well, together,” says Mayor Wayne Thorley.
Key features of the draft annual business plan and budget
Key features of the plan include:
- Infrastructure delivery on the east side
- A stormwater management plan for Murray Bridge
- Development of an open space master plan
- Footpath expansion program
- Delivering the next stage of the Swanport Road master plan
- Wharf Hill lighting upgrades
- Support for the Murraylands Skills Centre
- Delivery of the major events program
What else has been included in the draft budget?
Council is proposing an overall operating budget of $73.4 million for 2025-26, including:
- Income of $62.1 million, including $39.1 million in general rates revenue
- $63.3 million expenditure for services and key projects
- $9.4 million expenditure for renewal of community assets
- At least $710,000 expenditure for enhancement of community assets
The draft budget considers that the Valuer-General has, on average, lifted property values by 7.5 per cent throughout the Rural City of Murray Bridge.
To ease the burden on ratepayers, council is proposing to reduce the existing rate in the dollar by 2%.
The result is an overall 4.8% average rates increase for existing ratepayers.
This means the average residential rate for existing ratepayers will be $2297.
“We recognise the cost-of-living pressures facing many households,” Mayor Thorley says.
“That’s why we’ve worked hard to reduce and manage costs, introduce efficiency targets and deliver a financially responsible budget that still invests in the services and projects our community values.”
The draft budget reflects the community’s feedback during the recent rating structure review process.
“We heard you,” Mayor Thorley said.
“During the recent consultation, the community told us they didn’t want a change to the current rating structure, and we’ve listened.
“As a result, we have retained the existing rating structure, which is reflected in the preparation of the proposed budget.
“While the rating structure determines how rates are distributed across properties in our community, a rating policy outlines how council collects rates.
“As required by the Local Government Act, council has reviewed its rating policy with a single change proposed: to increase the vacant land differential rate from 30% to 50% above the base rate.
“This change is to encourage development and boost housing supply while limiting the impact on the rest of the rate base, including residents, primary production and business.
How to provide your feedback
The draft annual business plan and budget 2025-26, draft schedule of fees and charges 2025-26 and draft rating policy 2025-26 are available for viewing on council’s engagement portal, letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au.
Printed copies and feedback forms can also be accessed at the Local Government Centre and the Murray Bridge Library.
Feedback on the plan and policy can be provided via:
- letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au
- council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au
- Post to the Rural City of Murray Bridge, PO Box 421, Murray Bridge SA 5253
Verbal submissions can be made at the council’s special meeting on Wednesday 4 June at 7pm.
Each speaker will be allocated a maximum of five minutes to make their submission and the meeting will be held for at least one hour.
To register your interest in making a verbal submission, please contact council via 8539 1100 or council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au.
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
