Council adopts budget with focus on services, sustainability and community growth

The $203 million budget outlines a comprehensive plan for service delivery and capital works, with continued investment in infrastructure, environmental sustainability and community programs. Funding will be drawn from $54.8 million in general rates, $20.3 million in grants and developer contributions, and $109.6 million from cash reserves, loans and asset sales.

A general rate increase of 3.5 per cent has been approved. This marks the final year of Council’s three-year plan to smooth out rate increases over time, helping to reduce the impact of high inflation on household budgets and avoid sharp rate increases.

Mayor David Leach said the council had worked hard to strike a balance between affordability for residents and the growing need to maintain and expand essential services and infrastructure.

Twenty-four written submissions were received during the public consultation phase, with feedback helping to shape the final plan.

“The result is a budget that is both responsive and responsible. Getting this balance right is one of the greatest challenges for any council,” Mayor Leach said.

“Council has and will continue to consider the impact of rates on all sections of our community, including residents on fixed incomes and local farmers.”

Support for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship will continue through flexible payment and assistance options.

Major intergenerational projects in the coming financial year include the completion of the Summit Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The facility is a significant investment in regional health and wellbeing, with stage one opening in August 2025.

Designed as a year-round destination for people of all ages, the centre will support the health, wellbeing and community connection of Mount Barker’s growing population, with Belgravia Leisure confirmed as the operating partner.

In anticipation for the opening next month, memberships and GoSwim enrolments are now available.

“As an approved SA Sports Voucher provider, we’re making it easier for kids to get active. Eligible children can use the SA Sports Voucher program to save on swimming lessons,” Mayor Leach said.

Mount Barker Council, via its wholly owned subsidiary GMB Water, will also continue its significant investment in wastewater infrastructure, with more than $100 million allocated to upgrades of the sewer network and wastewater treatment plant. This is the largest such investment outside of SA Water and is critical to expand capacity to support ongoing growth and maintain service standards across the district.

The development of Mount Barker’s central precinct is another key priority for the year ahead. The City Centre project will transform the vacant site bordered by Hutchinson, Morphett, Stephen and Druids Streets into a vibrant hub featuring a town square, retail and dining options, offices, a civic and co-working centre, and car parking. Construction on the town square component is expected to begin in early 2026 following the successful securing of $2 million in State Government funding.

Transport planning and road infrastructure will also be a major focus. Detailed transport modelling will continue to help determine where upgrades are most needed and support applications for external funding. Final designs will be completed for Paech, Sims and Hartmann Roads, with special attention given to the intersection of Hartmann, Alexandrina and Bald Hills Roads.

Several projects identified in the Integrated Transport Plan will move forward in 2025/26. The Springs Road upgrade between Bald Hills Road and Heysen Boulevard will be progressed, with $5 million in Australian Government grant funding already secured for the $12 million project.

Mount Barker Council has also secured $1 million for the Bollen Road Trail, a $2 million shared-use path from Mount Barker Creek to Silverwood Drive. Construction of the trail is expected during the coming financial year, and the council is hopeful of securing further funding to begin the broader Bollen Road upgrade.

In addition to major infrastructure works, the council will deliver a range of community-focused projects and initiatives. These include trials of alternative bin collection methods, new partnerships to improve library services in smaller townships, and the design of a new public toilet at Echunga Community Park. A new grant program will be introduced to support upgrades to community-managed facilities, and concept planning will begin for a regional skate park.

Work will also continue on the development of a parking strategy to guide the future management of car parking in the Mount Barker town centre and Hahndorf.

Mayor Leach said the budget was carefully designed to ensure the district could continue to meet the needs of a growing population while enhancing liveability for current residents.

“Our goal is to plan wisely for the future, while delivering the services and infrastructure that will make Mount Barker the most liveable region in the state by 2044,” he said.