Each year, Council's operating costs increase for a variety of reasons including but not limited to CPI, Local Government Price Index (LGPI), population growth and other factors.  These all have an impact on the operations of Council.  

Rate Revenue needs to increase accordingly to cover the operational increases, capital renewals and capital upgrades programs and other Council services.  In 2025/2026, Council has included in the operating budget significant funds towards operating initiatives that will improve the efficiencies of Council as well as assist in progression towards the goals and actions outlined in Council's Strategic Directions Plan 2024-2033. These are all listed in the Annual Business Plan and Budget 2025/2026 document.

Yes, a 2% discount on the general rate amount will be applied for those who pay their rates and charges in full by 4.30pm Friday 12 September 2025.

The total General Rate Revenue increase proposed in the 2025/2026 Annual Budget is 4.2%.  The average increase across all properties is approximately 3.95%.  However, there will be some higher and some lower than this.

As an example, a home with a site land value of $370,000, the increase total rates payable equates to approproximately a $5 increase per quarter, which is an increase of  less than 1% on the previous years rates expense for a property of the same value.

Your rates are made up of as follows:

• Rate in Dollar (as per your Land Use Code) x site value of your property

• Fixed Charge: $660.00
• Waste Collection: $328.00 annual service charge
• Recycling Collection: $67.00 annual service charge
• Regional Landscape Levy: Determined by Land-use Type and collected by Council on behalf of the Eyre Peninsula Landscape Board

If you choose to pay your rates quarterly, reminders will be sent out at least 30 days before each instalment due date of: 

• 12 September 2025
• 5 December 2025
• 6 March 2026
• 5 June 2026

Rate notices will be issued mid July 2025 for distribution shortly after.

If you find yourself in a difficult financial position and are unsure if you can make your rates payment when it falls due, we encourage you to contact Council's rates department as soon as possible to advise us of your situation.

Individuals and businesses can apply to have their rates postponed and/or enter into an agreed payment plan if they meet the hardship criteria outlined in Council's Financial Hardship Policy 7.63.17.  This will be upon application and assessed on a case by case basis.  

The Financial Hardship Application Form can be found under the Related Documents section above.

What will happen to my feedback?

All feedback will be logged and considered by Council at an Ordinary Council Meeting following the close of the public consultation period.

When will a decision be made?

Following the close of the consultation period on 13 June 2025, Council will consider feedback received before final adoption of the Draft budget scheduled for 23 June 2025.