Salisbury Council releases proposed 2.5% rate increase for community consultation

Salisbury ratepayers face a 2.5 per cent rate increase — or an average of $33 — as council plans to spend millions on several new major projects.

The $43.8 million Salisbury Community Hub is due to be completed later this year. Picture: Salisbury Council

Salisbury ratepayers face a 2.5 per cent rate increase — or an average of $33 — as council plans to spend millions on several new major projects.

The increase is substantially less than neighbouring Playford Council, which is proposing to increase its rates by 3.9 per cent — the highest hike in metropolitan Adelaide.

Salisbury Council is seeking public feedback on a draft annual business plan for a total expenditure of $117 million, including $41 million on infrastructure investment.

The proposed rate increase of 2.5 per cent represents an increase of $33 on the current average residential rate of $1334. It is aimed at raising an extra $3.3 million to help council achieve a $3.9 million operating surplus in the next financial year.

The 2019-20 draft budget — released for community consultation — includes $1 million for the completion later this year of the $43.8 million Salisbury Centre Regional Community Hub.

While the hub has been council’s flagship project, this year’s budget focuses on roads, footpaths, parks, sporting facilities, flood mitigation, community buildings and streetscaping, with $1.4 million allocated for trees.

Salsibury Council has allocated $1 million to finish the $43.8 million Salisbury Community Hub. Picture: Salisbury Council

Funding also is provided to start multimillion-dollar upgrades of the Paddocks, Salisbury Oval and St Kilda boating facilities while creating a synthetic athletics base at Bridgestone Reserve.

Other projects include:

■ $8.6 million to reseal or build new roads.

■ $1.6 million to maintain or upgrade council-owned buildings.

■ $2.6 million to upgrade the council’s operation centre and Pioneer Park Water Wheel Museum.

Salisbury mayor Gillian Aldridge said the draft business plan maintained all of council’s existing services while investing in new projects.

Describing the 2.5 per cent rate increase as “modest”, Ms Aldridge said Salisbury consistently had some of the lowest average rates in Adelaide.

“Modest and stable increases in rates ensure we can keep developing Salisbury into a thriving, future-focused city by providing all the same essential services while also expanding programs and commencing new projects to meet our community’s ongoing and future needs,” she said.

Salisbury ratepayers are urged to have their input into the annual plan by making written representations or attending the next monthly meeting on Monday, May 27.