Alexandrina Council and City of Victor Harbor have joined the annual local government budget consultation train.

Alexandrina has renamed its annual business plan and budget to the Annual Community Plan and now wants community feedback on the proposed draft plan for 2025/26 and its revised Draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025–35.

It proposes an average rate increase of 3.05 per cent, which includes CPI of 2.2 per cent. 

Victor Harbor’s plan has a 5 per cent rate increase, which the council says is required to safeguard its financial sustainability.

This comprises 2.5 per cent for CPI, a 1.5 per cent sustainability index and 1 per cent for the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct project.

Despite this the council has forecast a budget deficit of $4.2 million.

Alexandrina council will host four public meetings to present the plans, in Goolwa, Port Elliot, Strathalbyn and Mount Compass.

The first will be held on Wednesday 21 May at the Goolwa Council Chambers from 10am to 11am. 

Then it’s on to Port Elliot on Monday 26 May at the RSL from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Strath Neighbourhood Centre will host the third meeting on Wednesday 28 May, also from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

The final session will be at the Mount Compass War Memorial Hall on Wednesday 4 June from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Full copies of the Alexandrina plans are now available to view at the council offices in Goolwa and Strathalbyn or online. The deadline for feedback is Friday 6 June.

City of Victor Harbor will hold a public meeting in the Council Chambers at the Civic Centre at 5.30pm on Thursday 29 May.

Its annual business plan can be collected in hard copy at the council office or viewed online. Consultation closes Monday 2 June.