2 May 2025
2025-2026 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget Released for Feedback
Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s Draft 2025-26 Annual Business Plan and Budget proposes a modest 5% increase in general rate revenue in line with long-term plans while ensuring the delivery of projects expected by the community.
At a Special Council Meeting held on 30 April, the Elected Members endorsed the release of the Draft 2025-2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget for community feedback.
In 2025-2026, roads and stormwater will continue to be the Council’s biggest investment, with a budgeted total capital expenditure of $7,028,154, including $2,414,970 on resheeting and resealing projects.
Major road reconstruction projects include Diagonal Road ($1,481,596), Moyhall Road ($1,481,596) and Grubbed Road design works ($139,248).
Resealing projects totalling $726,950 have been budgeted for Langkoop Road, Aitchison Avenue and Lochaber North Road; and resheeting projects have been budgeted for Hodges Lane, East Settlement Road, Gunning Road, Schinckels Road, Laurie Park Road and Ellisons Road.
Other capital projects proposed include:
- $1,212,420 on continued infrastructure upgrades and improvements at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange
- $750,000 on the Lucindale main street upgrade
- $476,374 on continued upgrades to the Naracoorte Swimming Lake, including improvements to the café with a new undercover outdoor dining area, disability access ramps, shade structures and amenities
- $361,550 for the Leicester Street playground renewal on the southern side of Naracoorte
- $280,852 on continued upgrades at the Naracoorte Cemetery
- $268,580 towards the continued implementation of the Naracoorte Creek & Creekwalk Master Plan, including the installation of weirs
- $216,930 for bitumen runway sealing at the Naracoorte Aerodrome
- $130,413 for Naracoorte Pioneer Park improvements, including a new gazebo, paving, BBQ, street furniture, and pathways
- $97,848 for trails work at Lucindale’s Loechel Park
Mayor Mr Patrick Ross says the Council intends to keep moving forward in 2025-2026 with its long-term plans “but with a more prudent eye” on future challenges.
“Budget discussions are at the heart of conversations for all of us in the community as costs continue to soar for electricity, fuel and other household staples, and drought conditions persist,” Mayor Ross says.
“Council is not immune from these budget impacts. As such, we are this year seeking to provide a balance: keeping increases in rate revenue modest and in line with our long-term plans, while making sure we continue to deliver projects expected by the community.
“Despite this careful approach, Council will continue to deliver on its 2023-2033 Strategic Plan, ensuring we deliver the outcomes our residents require, and the projects needed to create a thriving and connected regional community known for its lifestyle, vibrant towns and economic prosperity.”
The community is invited to review and comment on the 2025-2026 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget from 9am on Monday 5 May 2025 to 9am on Wednesday 4 June 2025.
You can have your say in the following ways by:
- Completing an online feedback form at https://yoursay.naracoortelucindale.sa.gov.au/
- Completing a hard copy feedback form available from the Naracoorte and Lucindale Council offices or Naracoorte Library
- Emailing council@nlc.sa.gov.au
- Writing to Council at PO Box 555, Naracoorte, SA, 5271
As part of the community consultation process, a Special Council Meeting will be held at 5pm on Tuesday 3 June to consider feedback from the community and determine any amendments to the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget. Members of the public who wish to address Council or ask questions about the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget are invited to attend the meeting during a one-hour period from 5-6pm.
You can read through the 2025-2026 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget at https://yoursay.naracoortelucindale.sa.gov.au/ and hard copies are also available from the Naracoorte and Lucindale Council offices and Naracoorte Library.
You can also download the 2025-2026 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget as a PDF by CLICKING HERE.
Council will consider formal adoption of the Annual Business Plan and Budget for 2025-2026 at a meeting on 24 June 2025.
Media Spokespeople:
Mayor Patrick Ross - email patrick.ross@nlc.sa.gov.au, phone 0427 658 049
Kelly Westell, CEO - email kelly.westell@nlc.sa.gov.au, phone 8760 1100
General Media Enquiries:
Josie Collins, Manager Engagement & Community - email josie.collins@nlc.sa.gov.au, phone 87601100