Have your say on Council's Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget 2026-27

The District Council of Yankalilla is inviting community feedback on the Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget 2026-27, Draft Long-Term Financial Plan 2026–36 and Draft Asset Management Plan Summary 2026–36.

The Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget 2026-27 outlines the services, projects and financial decisions proposed for the year ahead. Together with the Draft 2026-36 Long-Term Financial Plan and Draft Summary Asset Management Plan, these documents reflect Council’s continued focus on maintaining essential services, renewing critical infrastructure and strengthening long-term financial sustainability, while responding to ongoing economic pressures and changing community needs.

Community consultation is now open and we encourage you to review the draft plans and share your feedback.

Consultation closes Tuesday, 19 May 2026.

What is being proposed?

The Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget 2026-27 sets out Council’s priorities, objectives and planned activities for the upcoming financial year.

It brings together Council’s key long-term planning frameworks — including the Strategic Community Plan: VISION 2030, Long-Term Financial Plan and Asset Management planning — and translates them into a practical, one-year plan.

Key areas of focus include:

• maintaining essential services
• renewing critical infrastructure
• strengthening financial sustainability
• responding to ongoing economic pressures and changing community needs.

The Draft Plan also outlines Council’s proposed budget and rating approach for 2026–27, developed in the context of rising costs and financial pressures.

The Budget has been developed through a collaborative process, including workshops with Elected Members. It also reflects the outcomes of the recent Rating Review which, following extensive work and community engagement, introduces a new rating model for the District Council of Yankalilla.

The proposed rate increase has been carefully considered, balancing rising costs with the need to maintain essential services across the district.

Why are we consulting?

Community consultation is a vital part of Council’s decision-making process.

Your feedback helps ensure that the draft plans reflect the needs, priorities and aspirations of the community.

This year’s budget has been developed in a challenging economic environment. There are no simple choices, and Council must carefully balance service delivery, infrastructure needs, rising costs and long-term financial sustainability.

By reviewing the Draft Plan and sharing your feedback, you can help inform Council’s final decisions.

Have your say

We encourage you to take a few minutes to read the consultation material before providing your feedback.

Visit the Your Say Yankalilla page to learn more and participate.

How to participate

There are several ways you can get involved:

• Attend a Drop-In Information Session:
  • Tuesday 5 May 2026, Council Chambers, 2 pm – 3 pm and 6 pm – 7 pm
  • Saturday 9 May 2026, Yankalilla Library, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
• Attend the Public Meeting and provide a verbal submission:
  • Tuesday 19 May 2026, Council Chambers, 6 pm – 7 pm
• Ask a question:
  • Submit a question via the Q&A forum on Your Say Yankalilla
  • Email: participate@yankalilla.sa.gov.au
• Provide a written submission:
  • Complete the online submission form via Your Say Yankalilla
  • Email, post or deliver your submission to Council
• Prefer a conversation?
  • Call (08) 8558 0200 to arrange a time to speak with Council staff

What happens next?

All feedback received during the consultation period will be reviewed and considered by Council.

Insights from the community will help inform any refinements to the Draft Annual Business Plan & Budget before it is presented to Council for adoption in June 2026.

A summary of community feedback, along with any resulting changes, will be made publicly available, supporting a transparent and accountable decision-making process.

Community engagement closes: Tuesday 19 May 2026