Alexandrina is the last of the Fleurieu councils to put out its budget for community consultation and will take it on the road next week for a series of public meetings.

The Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2023/24 was presented at the council meeting on Monday 22 May, for endorsement to proceed to community consultation.

Budget Roadshow information sessions across the region:

• Middleton/ Port Elliot – Monday 29 May, 6.30pm, Middleton Pioneer Hall.
• Mount Compass – Tuesday 30 May, 6.30pm, Mount Compass Memorial Hall.
• Clayton Bay/ Milang – Monday 5 June, 6pm followed by Dark Sky Information Session, 7.15pm, Clayton Bay Community Hall.
• Strathalbyn and surrounds – Tuesday 6 June, 6.30pm, Strathalbyn Football Club.
• Goolwa and surrounds – Tuesday 20 June, 6.30pm, Goolwa Oval Recreation Precinct.

Interested residents and ratepayers can register to attend by visiting the Alexandrina website. 

A full copy of the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2023/24 is available to view at the Council Offices, library depots or on the website

Community consultation will be open from 25 May to 22 June 2023. Feedback can be submitted online at or by email. 

The Local Government Act 1999 requires all councils to consult with their community on their draft annual business plan, which includes information on their proposed rates decisions.

Local Government Minister Geoff Brock has urged people to have a say and share their thoughts on proposed council rates.

“Having been involved in the local government sector for more than three decades, I am passionate about ensuring residents stay involved with their local council and take opportunities to directly shape their community.

“I encourage all South Australians to get involved with their local council as they consult on their draft business plan for the coming year, including the level of rates the council proposes to raise and which services they are proposing to provide with that rates revenue. 

“When as many people and businesses share their views as possible, our councils will be more representative of their local community and be able to better consider what the community values and the most appropriate path to achieve this.  

“I am confident that councils will strike an appropriate balance between community demands for services and infrastructure, and the level of rates and charges needed to fund them – particularly with many South Australians already facing increased cost of living pressures. 

“If you have concerns about your ability to pay your rates, I urge you to reach out to your council to discuss what relief measures may be available to help you.”

All councils must adopt an annual business plan and budget between 31 May and 15 August each year, prior to setting their rates each year.