City of Adelaide budget approved, but not without backlash
Adelaide City Council has approved its annual budget, but some councillors say residents would be “angry and disappointed”. See how your rates will rise.
Residents can expect a rate rise of 5.6 per cent, which would see the average residential rateable property pay an increase of $127 compared to 2025-26 rates after council approved its annual budget on Tuesday night.
Councillor Mark Siebentritt was in favour of the budget, saying it was both “responsible and balanced”.
“I don’t think anyone here pretends that these are not challenging times for many households and for many businesses, whether in relation to cost-of-living pressures, whether around rising business costs or even general economic uncertainty,” he said.
“As we look at the budget tonight, there are three questions we need to ask ourselves: is it financially responsible? Does it invest in Adelaide’s future? Does it respond to the needs of today’s community?”
Councillor Mary Couros responded to the questions with “no, no and no”, saying she would be unable to support the budget.
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“Rates are increasing faster than outcomes are being delivered. Debt continues to grow while major projects are delayed,” Couros said.
“There’s insufficient evidence of organisational efficiency before asking ratepayers to pay more.
“There’s not enough investment in economic growth and activation to generate future revenue and prosperity.”
Councillor Henry Davis was also against the budget, saying he believed many residents would be “angry” and “disappointed”.
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“Residents have spoken, businesses have spoken, community leaders have spoken, and they have told us clearly that people are under pressure, costs are rising, and confidence is falling,” Davis said.
“Many ratepayers simply cannot see enough improvement to justify what they’re being asked to pay.”
The budget would see $13.6 million invested into its main street revitalisation program, including upgrades to O’Connell Street, Gouger Street, Melbourne Street, Hutt Street and Hindley Street.
However, main street upgrades have been delayed, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months for O’Connell, Gouger and Hutt Street, while Hindley and Melbourne Street were flagged for 2028-2029 construction.
A total of $68.8 million has been allocated in the budget to be spent on asset renewal and replacement, including roads, buildings and footpaths.
Funding of $7 million has also been allocated for the Adelaide Central Market renewal, while Adelaide Economic Development Agency will receive a $9.1 million contribution from council to stimulate business growth.
The budget was expected to deliver an operating surplus of $4.9 million, with projected borrowing at $81.3 million at the end of the financial year.
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