The City of Onkaparinga's draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026–27 is now open for the community's feedback.
The $262.42 million draft budget outlines the council projects to be delivered to the community in the next financial year, including the continued provision of core services.
The budget includes a proposed general rate increase of 3.3 per cent plus growth, which aligns with Adelaide’s December CPI figure. The council proposes to update this figure this with the March CPI once it’s known, prior to Council adoption of the budget.
This follows the council's 2025–26 budget, which also aligned rates with CPI plus growth, with the 2.2 per cent increase among the lowest in SA.
Additional funding for the draft budget will be received through rates from new properties built, state and federal grants, other fees and charges.
"We know inflation increases household cost-of-living pressure, and it also affects the costs of materials and services the council uses to deliver our projects, services, programs and events," Mayor Moira Were said.
"In some cases, our cost increases for these things have been above CPI. Amid these challenges, it has never been more important to invest carefully in infrastructure and services that connect and support the community, and help to build resilience.
"With this in mind, we’ve kept our promise to deliver a sustainable and responsible draft budget."
Projects identified for the year reflect the community’s areas of priority, based on insights the council received from more than 5,000 residents. Focuses include environment and coastal management; open spaces, parks and natural resources; road resealing and maintenance; waste collection and recycling; and community services, programs and grants.
Visit the council's Your Say page to find out the planned projects, how rates are used, how rates are calculated and what affects your rates. You can also provide your feedback on the draft annual business plan and budget at the Your Say page until Sunday 10 May.
Community feedback will be presented to Council before the plan is endorsed.