Don’t miss your opportunity to provide feedback on your local council’s draft annual business plan for the 2023/24 financial year, including sharing your thoughts on proposed council rates.

Public consultation on annual business plans and budgets across the state closes soon, as local councils decide how best to allocate ratepayers’ funds to deliver important services and meet the needs of their community.

Residents are encouraged to have their say on their council’s proposed projects, programs, and rates for 2023-24 by visiting their local council’s website or contacting the council for an alternative feedback method.

Councils are required to explain clearly and justify their decisions about the proposed amount and distribution of rates.

The Local Government Act 1999 requires all councils to consult with their community on their draft annual business plan, which includes information on their proposed rates decisions.

This consultation process provides an important accountability mechanism to ensure the council’s forward planning represents what the community sees as important in their local area – allowing councils to adjust their approach if necessary.

The Essential Services Commission of SA (ESCOSA) has now started to provide independent advice to councils on their revenue and rating decisions within the context of their long-term financial planning - a key reform introduced to provide greater accountability in the local government sector. A quarter of South Australia’s 68 councils received that advice this year, with the remaining councils scheduled to receive the ESCOSA Advice variously over the next three years.

This independent advice further supports both elected members and communities to better understand the financial health of their council and be assured that it is making appropriate decisions regarding revenue - particularly council rates - in the context of its long-term financial plan.

South Australians are reminded that councils can assist ratepayers who may be suffering hardship, with the discretion to postpone payments, or remit rates in whole or in part in these circumstances.

Eligible South Australian Seniors Card holders can also apply to their council to postpone payment of a large part of their council rates. This may be helpful for an older ratepayer who has a high level of equity in their home but currently receives a limited income.

All councils must adopt an annual business plan and budget between 31 May and 15 August each year, prior to setting their rates each year.

Quotes

Attributable to Geoff Brock

Having been involved in the local government sector for more than three decades, I am passionate about ensuring residents stay involved with their local council and take opportunities to directly shape their community.

I encourage all South Australians to get involved with their local council as they consult on their draft business plan for the coming year, including the level of rates the council proposes to raise and which services they are proposing to provide with that rates revenue.

When as many people and businesses share their views as possible, our councils will be more representative of their local community and be able to better consider what the community values and the most appropriate path to achieve this.  

I am confident that councils will strike an appropriate balance between community demands for services and infrastructure, and the level of rates and charges needed to fund them – particularly with many South Australians already facing increased cost of living pressures.

If you have concerns about your ability to pay your rates, I urge you to reach out to your council to discuss what relief measures may be available to help you.