Thank you to everyone who shared feedback with us about the Draft Annual Business Plan during our recent community engagement process. We received 70 submissions that highlighted support for projects like the Adelaide Titans Sports Lighting Upgrade and Western Little Athletics Long Jump Pit, as well as concerns about high interest rates.

Following community consultation and updated financial information, we listened to your feedback and have worked to reduce the average residential rate increase from 5.11% to 4.50%.

This reduction was made possible through updated property growth data from Land Services South Australia, which showed higher than anticipated growth in rateable properties across our City. This means the total rates required can be shared across a larger number of properties. We also changed the timing of some capital projects into multi-year delivery programs and accounted for external grant funding that has now been confirmed.

Together, these changes have allowed us to lower the forecast rate increase while continuing to maintain service levels, deliver important infrastructure and support long-term financial sustainability.

This year's budget continues to fund the services our community relies on every day, including roads, waste collection, open spaces, stormwater management, libraries, community facilities and local programs. It also supports investment in projects that help keep our City liveable, connected and prepared for the future.

The Council Meeting agenda, including the Annual Business Plan, is now published on our City of Charles Sturt website under Agendas and Minutes, (click on the link and then scroll down and click on "Ordinary Council - 22 June 2026", then when the page opens please click the tab labelled "Agenda" at the top of the screen).

Thank you for being an engaged member of our community!