Proactive and forward-thinking budget revealed

The Barossa Council has revealed a draft budget that is proactive, forward thinking and realistic. It balances responsible investment in community priorities while limiting additional pressures on household budgets.

The draft 2026-27 annual business plan and budget proposes an average general rate increase of 3.60% for existing ratepayers. Because rates and service charges vary depending on the services received, an existing ratepayer can expect a total increase of 3.98% if they receive all waste and wastewater services.

Rural ratepayers receive a rate increase that is 50% lower than others at 1.99%, under the proposed plan. This was considered necessary to support primary producers after two years of no rate increases, whilst acknowledging the industry continues to face pressure from weather and global conditions.

Council is encouraging the community to have their say on the draft budget before 5pm, 11 June 2026.

Mayor Bim Lange says the draft plan focuses on sound management and ensuring Council assets are maintained at an appropriate service level for the community.

“This plan is about core investment and completion of large projects as we continue to deliver essential services like road infrastructure and footpath networks, all while taking a proactive approach in maintaining our assets.”

Council continues to invest in critical infrastructure like transport, stormwater, bridges, footpaths and equipment, with the allocation of $9.537m.

A new long-term footpath program will invest $3.524m over the next decade to improve general connectivity across townships, with priority given to links between main streets, schools and medical facilities. This is in addition to normal footpath renewal over this period of $6.406m.

The delivery of the Barossa Creative Industries Centre will be a key milestone delivered within the 2026-27 financial year. This is as a result of contributions from $11.849m in project funding under The Big Project for the Barossa Creative Industries Centre, with $6.9m funded by the Commonwealth and a further $500,000 from the State, the majority of this being funding carried forward from 2025-26.

And with Concordia expected to commence in 2026-27, Mayor Lange acknowledges Council is also focused on what Concordia is going to bring to the rest of the community.

Other highlights include:

• $2.25m for maintenance of road, bridge, footpath, kerbing assets, road vegetation and tree management.

• $1.64m for plant and equipment with a new grader and street sweeper

• $1.4m for the replacement and upgrade of Moss Road Bridge

• $298k for resealing of Old Kapunda Road, Nuriootpa

• $80k to commence designing a new Council depot and location assessment in readiness for Concordia

• $130k for two significant wastewater management systems at Nuriootpa and Lyndoch

• $200k Shower and amenity block upgrade at Murray Recreation Park, Eden Valley

Subject to grant funding, funding has been allocated to commence a two-year redevelopment project to upgrade stormwater and footpaths along Yettie Road, Williamstown.

Have your say on the Annual Business Plan and Budget, incorporating the annual review of the Long-Term Financial Plan. Hard copies are also available for the Nuriootpa Council office.

A public meeting will be held at the Nuriootpa Council office (43-51 Tanunda Road, Nuriootpa) from 5pm-6pm on 9 June 2026. Consultation concludes 5pm 11 June 2026.