The City of Adelaide's 2025-26 Business Plan and Budget (BP&B) has been endorsed for community consultation.
This is the third Business Plan and Budget for this term of Council and continues to deliver on Council's Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028. It focuses on investing through our Capital Works Program, continuing to commit our rates income to upgrading community Park Lands Buildings, implementing the Mainstreet Revitalisation Program, facilitating housing, stimulating growth in the city's economy, focusing on core community services and leading Adelaide into a climate resilient future.
Highlights of the Draft BP&B include:
- Investing over $39 million into new and upgraded projects, such as transforming the former Adelaide Aquatic Centre site into a community playing field, upgrading James Place, progressing the redevelopment of the Central Market Arcade and continuing to expand greening and tree planting throughout the city.
- Undertaking over $67 million in maintenance and renewal for the $2 billion plus Council owned assets (roads, footpaths, parks, buildings etc) in line with Council's endorsed Asset Management Plans
- Continuing our commitment to upgrading Park Lands Buildings, ensuring that sporting clubs and our community have the facilities they need now and for future generations, with works commencing at the sporting clubs at Golden Wattle Park / Mirnu Wirra (Park 21 West) and Mary Lee Park / Tulya Wardli (Park 27B).
- Implementing the Mainstreet Revitalisation Program, with works progressing in Gouger Street, Hindley Street, Hutt Street and Melbourne Street, and designing of O'Connell Street.
- Stimulating growth in the City's economy through the implementation of the Economic Development Strategy and the Adelaide Economic Development Agency's Strategic Plan.
- Improving active transport and safety, with a pedestrian crossing being installed at Franklin Street, traffic signal upgrades on Morphett Street and cycling path improvements along Peacock Road and the Adelaide Park Lands trail.
Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith said this BP&B continues to focus on repairing our budget after continued financial pressures that have impacted our ability to renew assets, upgrade infrastructure and provide core community services. A rate revenue increase of 5.6 per cent for existing ratepayers is proposed to deliver on this.
"The 2025/26 Business Plan & Budget continues this Council's strong track record of repairing not just our bottom line but major infrastructure across the city," said the Lord Mayor.
"For the first time, Council has introduced a minimum rate of $600 to ensure there is an equitable rating policy for all and to help create a city that's more liveable, sustainable and full of opportunity.
"The latest Essential Services Commission of SA report confirmed Council is on the right path after many years of waived fees and frozen rates. While our finances remain fragile, this is a disciplined budget that continues to make significant investments in improving the City of Adelaide."
The community can view the Draft Budget and provide feedback by visiting Our Adelaide. Consultation closes midnight, Tuesday 27 May.
