Onkaparinga council unveil 2024-25 budget plan

A southern suburbs council has published their annual budget, with a rise in rates and cost-cutting to help “budget repair”. See how much rates could go up.

A southern Adelaide council has published their annual 2024-25 budget, with an increase in rates and cutting of costs to help “budget repair”.

Onkaparinga council’s $231.86m budget is largely funded with a 6.8 per cent rate rise.

Mayor Moira Were expressed a “need to get back into surplus” after seven years of deficits. The budget would “position us strongly to make Onkaparinga more liveable”.

“(It will) ensure our people and places are connected and empowered, while respecting and protecting our unique environment,” she said.

“We will continue to deliver the essential services and projects residents expect by being efficient and responsible stewards of our assets and services.

“The ABP and budget has paid attention to the February 2024 Essential Services Commission of SA report that confirmed the challenges council had identified for our long-term financial sustainability.”

A new $1.3m Aldinga skatepark would be capable of hosting events and competitions. Picture: Supplied

A 700m Minkarra Park path in Flagstaff Hill will link Black Rd and Chandlers Hill Rd. Picture: Supplied

A draft concept plan for a major makeover of McLaren Vale's Main St has been released, featuring vibrant public artwork. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

Onkaparinga council are planning to undertake improvements to Murray Rd between Witton Rd and Gawler St, Port Noarlunga. Picture: Google Maps

A total of $158.29m will be spent on services, programs and asset maintenance, while $73.57m will go to new community projects and initiatives.

Those projects include a multimillion-dollar Aldinga sports park upgrade, a million-dollar Flagstaff Hill path, a $650k McLaren Vale main street revamp and multiple safety upgrades of roads.

Council have reduced library material, cut funding to the grants program and reduced the Healthy Active Lifestyles initiative.

They join a growing list of rising council rates across the state, with Burnside (9.8 per cent), Adelaide (7.4 per cent) and Mitcham (6.75 per cent) all proposing increases.

Onkaparinga council documents state that they remain continually focused on alternative funding and revenue sources to “reduce the reliance on rates in the longer term”.

Community engagement is open until May 13.