Yorke Peninsula Council has adopted its 2026-2027 Annual Business Plan and Budget, outlining the services, projects and infrastructure investment that will support communities across the region over the coming financial year.

The Annual Business Plan and Budget sets out Council’s priorities for the financial year, balancing the delivery of essential services, investment in infrastructure and long-term financial sustainability.

Council CEO Andrew Cameron said Council remained focused on maintaining the extensive assets and services relied upon by residents, businesses and visitors.

“Council’s first priority is to look after the assets and infrastructure we already have while continuing to invest in the future of our region,” Mr Cameron said.

“Council is responsible for the largest road networks in South Australia, including the state’s longest unsealed road network.

“We also maintain 33 boat launching facilities, manage leases for 12 jetties, care for assets along 485 kilometres of coastline and provide services across 59 towns and settlements.

“These are significant responsibilities, and this budget ensures we can continue delivering the services our communities expect while making steady progress towards our long-term strategic goals.”

As in previous years, road maintenance and improvements remain the single largest area of expenditure.

Council has also committed to identifying further efficiencies, with an organisation-wide service level review commencing.

The average rate rise for homeowners, including CWMS and waste charges, will be approximately $2 per week.

Individual rate changes may vary depending on changes to property valuations, which are independently determined by the Valuer-General, not set by Council.

The 2026-2027 Annual Business Plan and Budget is available on Council’s website.

Yorke Peninsula Council is inviting Incorporated Progress Associations and Community Groups to express their interest in hosting the region’s official Australia Day Celebrations in 2027.

As part of Council’s commitment to rotating the event throughout the peninsula, the annual celebrations provide an opportunity to showcase local townships, encourage community participation, support fundraising efforts, and attract visitors to the region on the Australia Day public holiday.

The successful host organisation will work with Council to deliver the official event on 26 January 2027, including the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Awards.

Mayor Kylie Gray said the annual celebrations were an important opportunity to recognise outstanding community contributions while highlighting the unique character of Yorke Peninsula communities.

“Australia Day provides an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate local achievements, and recognise the remarkable individuals and organisations that make the Yorke Peninsula such a vibrant and special place to live,” Mayor Gray said.

“By rotating the celebrations across the peninsula, we can showcase the diversity of our townships and provide local organisations with the opportunity to host a significant regional event that benefits their community.”

The official program incorporates the presentation of the Yorke Peninsula Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, and Award for Active Citizenship. Local organisations also present their own awards, providing an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the individuals whose dedication, service, and contributions make a meaningful difference in communities across the Yorke Peninsula.

Mayor Gray encouraged eligible organisations to speak with their Committees and consider submitting an expression of interest.

“Hosting the celebrations can strengthen community connections, support local businesses and organisations, and create opportunities for residents to come together and celebrate their town and its achievements,” she said.

Interested organisations are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest outlining their capacity to host the event and any activities proposed to complement the official proceedings.

Expressions of Interest close on Friday 14 August 2026.

Expressions of Interest can be submitted online via: https://yorke.sa.gov.au/community-services/engagement/expression-of-interest-host-councils-official-australia-day-celebrations/

For further information, visit Council’s website or contact Council on 8832 0000.

Yorke Peninsula Council invites the community to have its say on the Draft 2026-27 Annual Business Plan and Budget.

The Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget will be available for public consultation from 16 June to 8 July 2026, providing residents, businesses and stakeholders with the opportunity to review and comment on Council’s proposed services, programs, projects and budget priorities for the coming financial year.

The plan aims to maintain community services and continue progress on Council’s long-term strategic objectives while keeping rate increases at a reasonable level.

The average rate rise for a homeowner, including CWMS and waste charges, is proposed to be 4.6 per cent, equating to approximately $2.30 per week.

However, rates charged to an individual may be more or less than this average depending on how much their property valuation has changed – which is determined by an independent Valuer General, not by Council.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Dustin Guthberg said the draft budget had been developed with a strong focus on balancing affordability with Council’s responsibility to maintain essential infrastructure and services.

“The draft budget reflects our commitment to maintaining roads, community programs and other essential services across the Yorke Peninsula,” he said.

“Council understands the ongoing cost-of-living pressures facing our community and has worked hard to keep rate increases as low as possible while ensuring we can continue delivering the services and infrastructure our residents rely on,” Mr Guthberg said.

The proposed rate increase is required to help offset rising costs, including fuel, utilities, materials, insurance, wages and depreciation.

Council maintains significant community assets across the region, including the longest unsealed road network in South Australia, 33 boat launching facilities, 12 jetties leased from the State Government, 485 kilometres of coastline and 59 towns and settlements.

“Our focus remains firmly on looking after the assets and services we already have while also ensuring the Yorke Peninsula remains a great place to live, work, visit and invest,” Mr Guthberg said.

“We encourage everyone to take the time to review the draft plan and provide feedback to help inform Council’s final decision on the 2026-27 budget.”

Community members can provide written submissions by emailing admin@yorke.sa.gov.au or writing to Yorke Peninsula Council, PO Box 57, Maitland SA 5573.

Members of the public also have the opportunity to address Council regarding the Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 8 July 2026. Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting must register their interest by calling 8832 0000 or emailing admin@yorke.sa.gov.au.

All feedback received during the consultation period will be presented to Council for consideration at a Special Council Meeting on 22 July 2026.

The GROUNDED YP Art Festival has been recognised on the state stage, taking out the Community Partnerships and Collaboration Award at the Local Government Professionals Australia, SA 25th Annual Leadership Excellence Awards on Friday, 22 May.

GROUNDED YP Art Festival is led by the Arts & Culture Working Group and delivered through a partnership between Yorke Peninsula Council and Country Arts SA. The festival was recognised for its strong community ownership, collaboration and growing economic and cultural impact across Guuranda (Yorke Peninsula).

Held from 15–24 August 2025, the festival featured more than 40 events across 12 townships over 10 days, transforming town halls, cafes and landscapes into vibrant creative spaces.

More than 4000 attendees enjoyed exhibitions, workshops, performances and experiences facilitated by Yorke Peninsula-based artists, creatives and businesses.

Arts and Cultural Facilitator Molly Flanagan said the award reflected the passion and collaboration shown by communities, artists and organisations across the region.

“GROUNDED was built on the idea of celebrating our Artists, Nharangga culture and the creativity that already exists across Guuranda, all while creating new opportunities for communities to connect through accessible and engaging experiences,” Ms Flanagan said.

“To see the festival recognised at a state level is incredibly rewarding and is a credit to the artists, Nharangga community, volunteers, businesses, community groups and partners who embraced the vision and helped bring it to life.”

Ms Flanagan said the festival highlighted the important role arts and culture play in regional communities.

“The festival not only showcased local creative talent, but also encouraged visitation, supported local businesses and created meaningful experiences for residents and visitors alike,” she said.

“What made GROUNDED 2025 so special was the strong sense of place and community ownership.

“Each township brought its own unique character and ideas, which created a truly authentic regional festival experience. “

“We can’t wait to do it all again in 2027.”

More than 570 local government professionals attended this year’s event, solidifying it as the sector’s premier night of the year.

“The event is a showcase of the impactful projects and initiatives that local government delivers each year to our communities,” LG Professionals SA CEO Rhiannon Clarke said.

“It’s an excellent opportunity to recognise and celebrate those achievements—at one of the most exciting and prestigious nights in local government for the year.”

Save the date for 2027 – August 13-22.

Yorke Peninsula Council is inviting volunteers from across the region to attend a special morning tea in celebration of National Volunteers Week 2026.

The free event will be held at 10.30am on Tuesday, 19 May at the Minlaton Town Hall, and aims to recognise and thank volunteers for their ongoing dedication, generosity and community spirit.

Volunteers play a vital role in supporting communities across the Yorke Peninsula, contributing their time and skills to a wide range of organisations, events and services that enrich the region.

Mayor Kylie Gray said the event was an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by volunteers.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our communities,” she said.

“Their passion, generosity and willingness to give their time make a real and lasting difference across Yorke Peninsula.

“This morning tea is a small way for Council to say thank you and to recognise the important role volunteers play in keeping our communities connected, supported and thriving.”

Mayor Gray encouraged all volunteers, whether they contribute to sporting clubs, community groups, emergency services or local events, to attend.

“We know there are so many individuals quietly making a difference every day,” she said.

“This event is about celebrating each and every one of them and showing our appreciation for their efforts.”

Council looks forward to welcoming volunteers from across the region to come together, connect and be recognised for their contributions.

Volunteers wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP by emailing rsvp@yorke.sa.gov.au or calling 8832 0000.

The hugely popular Cardboard Creations workshops are set to return at this year’s YorKON Games Convention on April 17–18, offering young attendees a hands-on, creative experience.

Run by Little Adventurers’ Sam Cowley, the workshops provide a safe and welcoming space for children to explore their creativity, discover their own artistic path and celebrate their unique style.

Each session encourages kids to experiment with a range of mediums and skills, including illustration, painting, sculpting and design thinking.

Along the way, participants build fine motor skills, develop spatial awareness and gain confidence through creative expression.

Sam Cowley, an illustrator and artist based in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, is passionate about inspiring the next generation of creators.

A father of three, Sam brings a warm and engaging approach to his workshops, encouraging children to embrace imagination and creativity.

“As a dad I always loved drawing for my kids and that in turn inspired me to embark on a new adventure, an adventure in design, art and being a creator,” he said

“I love teaching kids and want to encourage them to be brave with their creativity as they get older, I found I love mentoring and encouraging kids in art which led to the creation of Little Adventures and the art classes.”

“So, join me on an adventure, into the creative wonderful world of our imagination, with a pencil anything is possible, if you can imagine it, you can bring it alive and that is just magical.”

The Cardboard Creations workshops are just one of many family-friendly activities on offer at YorKON Games Convention, continuing to make the event a highlight on the Yorke Peninsula calendar.

For more information about YorKON Games Convention and to get your free ticket, visit https://yorke.sa.gov.au/discover/yorkon-games-convention/.

Yorke Peninsula Council has endorsed its draft Strategic Asset Management Plan for public consultation.

The Strategic Asset Management Plan aligns with the objectives outlined in Council’s Strategic Management Plan, setting out the asset management principles, framework and strategies required to support the delivery of key services and infrastructure.

CEO Andrew Cameron said the plan plays an important role in ensuring Council’s assets continue to meet community needs.

“Council manages a significant and diverse range of assets that support the delivery of services across our communities,” Mr Cameron said.

“This plan provides a clear, long-term framework to ensure these assets are maintained, renewed and managed responsibly so they continue to support our region now and into the future.”

The current Strategic Asset Management Plan, covering the period 2026-2035, has undergone its annual review to ensure alignment with Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and current financial information.

Mr Cameron said the review ensures Council’s planning reflects current asset management practices and service delivery expectations.

“The review process allows us to assess how our assets are being managed, ensure we meet regulatory requirements and clearly communicate the level of funding required to maintain service levels over the next ten years,” he said.

The Strategic Asset Management Plan covers a range of key asset areas including:

• Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS)
• Stormwater infrastructure

Mr Cameron said the plan will help guide future decision-making.

“The Strategic Asset Management Plan will inform Council’s future budgets, capital works programs and ongoing asset management practices,” he said.

“It also identifies opportunities to improve how we manage our assets, including the continued development of our asset registers, spatial data and processes used to assess asset condition.”

Community members are encouraged to review the draft Strategic Asset Management Plan and provide feedback during the consultation period.

Yorke Peninsula Council has endorsed a revised draft Long Term Financial Plan for public consultation.

The 2027-2036 plan provides the community with the opportunity to review and provide feedback on Council’s long-term financial direction.

Councils are required to review their Long Term Financial Plan each year to ensure it reflects current financial information and supports informed decision-making and annual budget preparation.

Council’s existing LTFP for 2026-2035, adopted in May 2025, has now been reviewed and updated.

Director Corporate and Community Services Daniel Griffin said the plan plays an important role in guiding Council’s financial sustainability and future investment in community infrastructure and services.

“The Long Term Financial Plan provides a roadmap for Council’s financial future and helps ensure we are planning responsibly for the services and infrastructure our communities rely on,” Mr Griffin said.

“By reviewing and updating the plan annually, Council can respond to changing economic conditions, operational demands and opportunities such as external grant funding for major projects.”

The revised draft plan incorporates updated income and expenditure trends, outcomes of service level reviews, and internal and external factors impacting Council operations, including the broader political and economic environment.

Updates to the revised draft plan include aligning renewal projections with the revised Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP), also undergoing community consultation, updated income and expenditure assumptions, including CPI, rates and indexation of asset replacement costs and inclusion of cost control measures through proposed service level reviews over the coming years.

Mr Griffin said community feedback would help ensure the plan reflects local priorities.

“We encourage community members to review the draft plan and provide feedback during the consultation period,” he said.

“Community input is an important part of ensuring our long-term financial planning supports the needs and expectations of Yorke Peninsula residents.”

The draft Long Term Financial Plan 2027-2036 will be available for public consultation on Council’s website.

Yorke Peninsula Council, in partnership with Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North, has facilitated 12 Township Activation workshops empowering communities to help shape the future of their towns.

Eight workshops were hosted during February at Ardrossan, Port Vincent, Price, Clinton, Balgowan, Port Victoria, Coobowie and Point Turton, attracting more than 300 participants.

These sessions built on earlier workshops held in Marion Bay, Corny Point, Edithburgh and Stansbury late last year, which were attended by more than 80 community members.

Surveys were also undertaken across townships ensuring more local voices were heard.

The workshops were designed to identify what communities value most about their towns and what priority focus areas are important to the community in the short and longer term.

This latest phase of engagement focused on coastal towns and was made possible through grant funding from the Northern and Yorke Local Government Association, supporting algal bloom recovery across the region.
Yorke Peninsula Council Economic Development and Tourism Officer Brooke Liebelt said the strong level of participation highlighted the passion people have for their local communities.

“It’s been incredibly encouraging to see people across our coastal towns come together to share their ideas, priorities and aspirations,” Mrs Liebelt said.

“These workshops give our communities a genuine voice in shaping the future of their towns from small-scale improvements to larger, transformative long-term projects.”

“Importantly, the feedback we’ve gathered strengthens Council’s ability to advocate for funding and align future grant applications with projects that truly reflect community values.

“When funding opportunities become available, such as the recently announced Algal Bloom Community Infrastructure grants, we are better positioned to act quickly and strategically because we have clear, community-endorsed priorities ready to go.”

Yorke Peninsula Council thanks all community members who attended workshops or completed surveys and looks forward to continuing to work alongside towns to bring priority projects to life.

Yorke Peninsula Council is pleased to advise that its 2026 Citizen of the Year Award winners will be formally recognised at a special ceremony on Wednesday, 11 February, at the Minlaton Council Chamber, commencing at 5pm.

The awards were originally set to be presented as part of Council’s Australia Day celebrations.

However, the event was unfortunately cancelled due to an extreme heat forecast, with Council making the difficult decision to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of community members, volunteers and staff.

Mayor Kylie Gray said Council was pleased to now be able to honour the recipients in a dedicated ceremony.

“As always, the safety of our community came first, and our Australia Day celebrations were moved to a more suitable time for our community,” Mayor Gray said.

“These awards recognise individuals and groups who go above and beyond for our community, and it’s important we take the time to properly acknowledge their incredible contributions.”

Award recipients will be announced in the following categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Event of the Year
• Award for Active Citizenship

Mayor Gray said the Citizen of the Year Awards celebrate the strength, generosity and community spirit found across the Yorke Peninsula.

“Every year we are inspired by the nominations we receive,” she said.

“They reflect the passion, commitment and dedication people have in supporting others and helping make our region a great place to live.”

Yorke Peninsula Council is excited to announce that the popular YorKON Games Convention will return on Friday and Saturday, 17–18 April, bringing two days of gaming, cosplay and creative fun back to the Minlaton Town Hall.

The town hall was powered up during the October school holidays when YorKON welcomed around 600 attendees across two action-packed days, cementing the event as a must-attend experience for gamers, families and pop culture fans from across the region.

The free, family-friendly event, proudly hosted by Yorke Peninsula Council, offers something for everyone — from retro and modern video games, arcade machines and tabletop gaming, to cosplay competitions, and hands-on kids’ workshops.

A standout highlight from the last event was the best dressed competition, where participants of all ages impressed with their creativity, craftsmanship and flair.

Another highlight was the popular cardboard creations workshop, themed around The Legend of Zelda and Hollow Knight, which allowed children to craft and decorate their own game-inspired items.

All the favourite fun and games will be back again in April, with even more on offer.

Council’s Community Development and Engagement Officer, Sonny Coombs, said staff had been working hard to bring the event back to the April school holidays.

“We’re thrilled to return YorKON to the April school holiday period, which also aligns with National Youth Week,” Mr Coombs said.

“The response to the event has been incredible, and we know how much young people and families value opportunities to come together, try new things and celebrate gaming and creativity.”

Mr Coombs said this year’s event would be bigger and better, with an expanded arcade offering.

“We’ve added more arcade machines to the mix and there will be access to the latest and greatest computer and gaming consoles,” he said.

“Importantly, while tickets are free, they must be obtained online before attending the event, and all games are free to play, which is a huge part of what makes YorKON accessible and inclusive.”

For more information and to get your tickets visit https://yorke.sa.gov.au/discover/yorkon-games-convention/.

Yorke Peninsula Council is inviting the community to celebrate Australia Day 2026 in a fresh and welcoming way.

For the first time, the Australia Day event will be held at the centrally located Minlaton District Community and Sports Centre on Monday, 26 January, commencing at 1pm.

Mayor Kylie Gray said the new location provides an opportunity to refresh the celebration and make it more accessible for the community.

“This upgraded community facility allows us to introduce new activities and experiences, making the celebration more engaging and family-friendly than ever before,” Mayor Gray said.

The afternoon will feature garden games, live acoustic music, and complimentary afternoon tea and refreshments, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for families and friends to enjoy together.

The celebration will also include a Citizenship Ceremony, officially welcoming the district’s newest Australian citizens, followed by the presentation of the Citizen of the Year Awards, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the community.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together as a community, recognise those who make a difference, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon with family and friends,” Mayor Gray said.

Assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council

Event details:

When: Monday, 26 January 2026, from 1pm

Where: Minlaton District Community and Sports Centre

What’s New: New location, garden games, live acoustic music, and complimentary afternoon tea

Highlights: Citizenship Ceremony, Citizen of the Year Awards, community gathering

This event is free and open to all members of the Yorke Peninsula community.

Works are about to begin on the final stage of the North Coast Road upgrade near Point Turton, completing the long-term improvement of this key regional route.

Downer EDI Works will continue pavement improvements on Stage 3B, covering the remaining 3.7 kilometres of unsealed road between Point Souttar and Point Turton.

Construction is expected to begin on 12 January and be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

Yorke Peninsula Council CEO Andrew Cameron said the commencement of Stage 3B represents an important step towards completing the long-awaited upgrade.

“This project has been years in the making and is the result of strong advocacy by Council and the local community to improve safety and accessibility along North Coast Road,” Mr Cameron said.

“Completing the final unsealed section will significantly improve driving conditions, reduce maintenance requirements and provide a safer and more reliable connection for residents, visitors and freight operators.”

During construction, road closures will be required, and there may be times when vehicle access to properties is restricted. Detours will be in place, and road users should expect some travel delays within the area.

“We understand the inconvenience roadworks can cause and thank the community for their patience while these essential upgrades are completed,” Mr Cameron said.

The North Coast Road upgrade has been delivered in stages and spans approximately 11 kilometres between Point Souttar and Point Turton.

The project commenced in 2023 after Council secured funding through the Special Local Roads Program’s Supplementary Local Road Funding for Stage 1.

Stage 1 involved sealing the first 1.82 kilometres of road, along with earthworks, stormwater management, road delineation and the installation of traffic control devices.

Stage 2, completed in 2024, included a further 1.82 kilometres of drainage works, pavement strengthening and a primer seal.

Stage 3A, near Point Turton, commenced in late 2024 and involved a 3.7-kilometre section of road.

“Once all stages are complete, North Coast Road will provide a safer, more resilient and higher-quality transport route for the region,” Mr Cameron said.