Future focused budget adopted
The 2025/26 Annual Business Plan and Budget sets a clear course for the year ahead as Victor Harbor continues to grow and evolve.
The $42.5 million operating budget and $15.9 million net capital works program reflect a careful balance between delivering essential services, investing in strategic community infrastructure and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
Key initiatives include funding allocations for the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct, continued optimisation of the Council’s corporate systems upgrade, coastal protection works, road and footpath upgrades, and ongoing support for arts, economic development and community wellbeing programs.
Average rates payable will increase by 5% (a 4% general rate increase and 1% for the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct project). For the average residential ratepayer this will mean a $117 increase compared to last year.
City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins said that the budget was developed with community priorities and intergenerational equity in mind.
“This budget reflects our commitment to building a vibrant, thriving and future-ready Victor Harbor, while remaining conscious of the cost-of-living pressures many in our community are facing,” said City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins.
“Through responsible investment and thoughtful planning, we’re working to address our community’s needs today while ensuring we have infrastructure and facilities to support future generations.”
“We’ve heard our community’s concerns about the pace of growth. That’s why Council has made it a priority over the past 18 months to develop an Urban Growth Management Strategy to guide how we grow while protecting the unique lifestyle, character and environment that make Victor Harbor so special.”
“This budget positions us to manage that growth with care, while continuing to invest in the services, infrastructure and initiatives that make Victor Harbor a great place to live, work, invest and visit.”
In adopting the budget, Council acknowledged the valuable community feedback during the public consultation period, with responses highlighting the need for increased investment in core services such as roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure, as well as calling for careful consideration to be given to the level of rate increases and project priorities.
City of Victor Harbor Chief Executive Officer, Victoria MacKirdy said community feedback reinforced the Council’s strategic approach to future planning.
“This budget isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about smart, long-term investments. We’re focused on making sure what we do today really counts and sets Victor Harbor up for success in the years ahead,” said Ms MacKirdy.
Council is using borrowings to fund key major projects including the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct and the corporate systems transformation project. These investments are designed to spread costs fairly over time and generations.
“We are borrowing to deliver infrastructure that will benefit our community for decades. While this results in a temporary operating deficit, our long-term financial modelling shows a return to modest surpluses, which demonstrates we are on a sustainable path,” said Ms MacKirdy.