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.