The City of Onkaparinga has approved its Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2024–25, confirming the proposed 6.8 per cent rates rise.

This has failed to take account of community feedback in the consultation process, according to former Mayor Erin Thompson.

The state MP for Davenport told ABC radio that the community made more than a thousand submissions on the proposed budget, with 60 per cent opposing the rates rise.

“This feedback has not been reflected in the final budget.”

Onkaparinga CEO Phu Nguyen says the budget sets the course for the council to deliver on its vision through 2024-25 and beyond.

“Through the recent Community Plan engagement, we heard the community love where they live, want to enhance natural open spaces, protect the region’s stunning 31km coastline and maintain Onkaparinga’s enviable lifestyle.”

Mr Nguyen says the budget commits the council to a sustainable financial future.

“It delivers for our community today through $158.17 million for essential services, programs, and maintenance, and $73.10 million for vital infrastructure renewal, upgrades, and new projects.

“We’ve also made $7.68 million in operational savings, helping us to achieve a balanced budget and apply CPI rate increases from next year.”

Major projects for 2024–25 include:

• $1.93 million for sporting club enhancements, including new sports lighting, resurfacing tennis and netball courts, and rejuvenating synthetic soccer pitches.
• $2.4 million for the refurbishment of Hopgood Theatre.
• $1.5 million for remedial works at Noarlunga Aquatic Centre.
• $2.18 million for upgrading the Aldinga Beach Road / How Road roundabout.
• $2.04 million for upgrading Murray Road, Port Noarlunga.
• $1.71 million for upgrading Malpas Road, Tatachilla.
• $1.67 million for improving heavy vehicle access at Bakewell Drive and Ostrich Farm Road, McLaren Vale.
• $1.55 million for road safety upgrades on Piggot Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, and Easton Road, Chandlers Hill.
• $1.4 million for constructing a 420m-long section of the Witton Bluff Base Trail boardwalk.
• $1.37 million for continuing the construction of the Aberfoyle Community Centre extension.

Mr Nguyen says the council will also continue to deliver more than 200 essential services including waste collection, roads, footpaths, lighting, parks and trails, libraries, arts, and bushfire prevention.

“We recognise that some of the measures implemented this year may increase pressure on household budgets, but maintaining effective control of the council’s finances is essential to continue delivering for the community in the years ahead.”

Residents experiencing financial hardship can explore various options for managing rate payments by contacting the council’s customer relations team on 8384 0666.

“We welcomed the wide range of views expressed online, via social media, at listening posts, community events, and face-to-face discussions,” Mayor Moira Were says.

Councillors also factored into their informed decision, professional advice, legislative obligations and advice from ESCOSA.

“Despite the necessary rate increases, we are now on track to return to a balanced budget next year and align rate increases with CPI moving forward,” Mayor Were says.

"The collaboration between elected members, Phu, and the entire council team was instrumental in achieving this balanced budget, thanks in part to the $7.68 million in savings identified by the administration.

We’re also actively exploring alternative funding and revenue sources to lessen our reliance on rates in the long term.

“The City of Onkaparinga is focused on creating connected and liveable communities, protecting our unique environment, and continually demonstrating leadership in the local government sector.

“This budget moves us closer to those goals and positions us strongly to meet the needs of our residents now, and in the future.”