District Council of Yankalilla Adopts 2023-24 Annual Business Plan & Budget

Consolidating, Prioritising, Back to Basics

The District Council of Yankalilla is pleased to announce the adoption of the 2023-24 Annual Business Plan & Budget, along with the Long-Term Financial Plan 2023-33, at a Special Council Meeting held on Tuesday 27 June 2023. This comprehensive plan outlines our vision for the upcoming financial year which has a clear focus on delivering on community priorities and ensuring financial sustainability into the future.

Mayor Darryl Houston expressed his gratitude to the residents for their valuable feedback and active participation in the Community Engagement process, which helped shape the final budget. He highlighted the challenges faced in the 2023-24 financial year due to the external economic climate, stating, "Our goal for this Budget has been for it to be fair, financially prudent and aligned with sound long-term financial management. The Elected Members and Executive Staff are aiming to set us up for future and sustained success."

The 2023-24 Annual Business Plan & Budget emphasises the consolidation of services, prioritisation of key community needs and a return to basics after a period of significant localised capital investment. The Plan focuses on delivering essential services, maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure and reducing debt. CEO Nathan Cunningham emphasised the Council's commitment to the community, stating, "Our goal is to spend the next twelve months working closely with the community, delivering services and activities that reflect your priorities."

Council has worked diligently to limit the impact of a challenging economic environment on the community. However, this environment has made it difficult to provide our current service levels without a rate increase. As a result, a rate increase of 7.4% has been adopted, equivalent to an average ratepayer increase of $146 for the year. The Council has also utilised the Long-Term Financial Plan to spread the external economic impact over three years, ensuring a balanced approach to financial decision-making.

A clean slate budgeting approach was taken for the coming financial year across all budget lines during the early phase of developing the Draft, which underwent consultation. This early work ensured the Council not only constrained the natural growth of expenses in materials and contractors but also reduced it from the previous Financial Year budget. In financial year 2022-23, the Materials, Contractors and Other budget line amounted to $7.37M and for the upcoming financial year, it has been forecasted at $7.26M, showcasing the Council's commitment to efficient financial management.

The 2023-24 Annual Business Plan encompasses several exciting projects and initiatives aimed at addressing community needs and enhancing residents' overall wellbeing. Some of the highlights include funding for cultural projects, the Community Grants Program, the Fleurieu Coast Community Nursery and Community Revegetation Program, the Major Events and Festivals Sponsorship Program, the Community Garden project and continuing to deliver the essential On Demand Transport Service: Community Health Support Program (CHSP).

In terms of capital projects, the Council will focus on initiatives such as completing the Normanville Surf Life Saving Club and Café/Kiosk project, the renewal of Range Road, the footpath renewal program, the township sealing program, the bridge safety upgrade project, general road renewal and stormwater management projects and the Tjilbruke Marker Site Project, amongst others.

Mayor Houston reflected on the previous year, saying, "In 2022-23, our focus was on completing the period of intense capital investment and delivering year three of the current Strategic Plan. We achieved significant milestones, including the completion of two major project components of the Normanville Foreshore and Jetty Caravan Park Master Plan and the opening of the new multi-use Library facility."

For a comprehensive list of all capital and operating projects proposed in the 2023-24 Annual Business Plan, including the highlighted initiatives mentioned, please refer to the full plan available on the District Council of Yankalilla's website.

The District Council of Yankalilla remains committed to working closely with the community, delivering quality services and ensuring a sustainable financial future. Through this Annual Business Plan & Budget, the Council aims to meet community expectations, consolidate services and prioritise key needs while maintaining strong financial management practices.

The 2023-24 Annual Business Plan & Budget can be  viewed here.