Community Voices Invited on Council's Draft 2026/27 Budget and Plan

The Coorong District Council has released its Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget for public consultation and is encouraging residents, ratepayers and stakeholders to have their say.

The draft plan outlines the Council’s proposed services, projects and financial position for the 2026/27 financial year, and has been shaped by the Council’s Community Vision Plan 2026–2030, Long Term Financial Plan and asset management priorities.

Acting Mayor Cr. Jonathan Pietzsch said the plan reflects a careful balance between maintaining essential services, renewing critical infrastructure and responding to ongoing cost‑of‑living pressures.

“This draft Annual Business Plan is about focusing on our core responsibilities while ensuring we remain financially sustainable,” Cr. Pietzsch said.

“We have deliberately prioritised asset renewal, particularly roads and infrastructure, while being mindful of the economic challenges facing our community.”

“Community feedback is essential in helping Council refine the final plan and ensure it aligns with local priorities.”

Key highlights of the Draft 2026/27 Plan include:

• An average rate increase of 6.56%, comprising CPI (4.2%), growth (1%) and a rate net increase (1.36%)
• A $6.87 million capital renewal program, with major investment in sealed and unsealed road renewal, buildings, plant and equipment, stormwater and wastewater assets
• Delivery of strategic projects including the Fulwood Avenue / Northcott Terrace sealed road alignment, continued planning for growth at Wellington East, and Narrung jetty renewal planning (subject to funding opportunities)
• Continued commitment to asset management and financial sustainability, following ESCOSA’s assessment of Council as being in a “mostly sustainable” position
• A focus on maintaining core services while limiting cost growth in a period of global and economic uncertainty.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Myles Somers said the draft plan reinforces Council’s long‑term approach to responsible financial management.

“This plan reflects prudent spending, a strong focus on asset renewal and a commitment to minimising required rate increases, in line with ESCOSA’s advice, whilst also planning for future growth,” Mr Somers said.

Community engagement on the Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget, along with the draft Long Term Financial Plan and Schedule of Fees and Charges opened on Friday, 1 May 2026 and will close at 5:00pm on Friday, 29 May 2026.

Submissions received during the consultation period will be considered by Council at a Special meeting in June, before the final Annual Business Plan and Budget is adopted on Tuesday 7 July 2026.

The draft documents and details on how to make a submission are available on Council’s website at www.coorong.sa.gov.au.

Contact:

Myles Somers
INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au

Community Information Sessions:

Residents are invited to attend a public meeting to learn more about the draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan, draft 2026/27 – 2035/36 Long Term Financial Plan, and draft 2026/27 Schedule of Fees & Charges:

• Wednesday 13 May 2026, 6:30pm – Meningie Bowling Club
• Tuesday 26 May 2026, 6:30pm – Coorong Civic Centre, Tailem Bend (this meeting will also be livestreamed)