The Annual Business Plan and Budget shows how Council will allocate its budget and what services, programs and projects will be developed in the coming financial year to contribute to achieving the community’s long term objectives.

The Annual Business Plan outlines Council’s priorities for the year ahead and includes the budget and rating policy. It links to our Community Plan 2030, Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Management Plans, and outlines how we intend to measure our performance.

Developing our budget each year involves an extensive process and our aim is to ensure that the mix of services and capital works meets the needs of residents, businesses and visitors to our Council area. As a part of the Annual Business Plan and budgeting process, the community has the opportunity to provide feedback. 

2023/24 Annual Business Plan and Budget

The 2023/24 Annual Business Plan and Budget was adopted on Monday, 26 June 2023.

The $46 million budget aims to balance the provision of essential services and projects to keep Victor Harbor moving forward, while also acknowledging the current cost of living pressures.

The Council, like all households, is facing a raft of challenges associated with inflationary pressures. While a significant proportion of these increases has been absorbed through cost saving measures, an average rates payable increase of 6.6% (less than March Quarter CPI – 7.9%) is required.

City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins, said the rate increase enables us to support our community, while also investing wisely to strengthen Victor Harbor’s position as a place of choice to live, work, invest and visit.

“Preparing our annual budget always presents a challenge of balancing the provision of services to meet community needs against the objective to keep rate increases to a minimum,” said Mayor Jenkins.

“The 2023/24 budget has no frills. It is business as usual with no new initiatives added. This has enabled Council to minimise the average rates payable increase while ensuring we still deliver the services expected by our community.”

The budget forecasts a capital works program worth $10.4 million (offset by grants and other revenue totaling $1.6 million) and operating expenditure of $36 million resulting in a deficit of $1,485,200.

The budget deficit can be attributed to the Council’s corporate systems replacement project, a once-in-a-generation project that will see an overhaul of the software that underpins operations. In recognition that this project will have an impact on generations to come, and to reduce the burden on current ratepayers, it will be funded through borrowings and paid back over a number of years to ensure intergenerational equity.

Other key projects that will be delivered during 2023/24 include:

• Progressing the Regional Community, Sport and Recreation Precinct project;
• Detailed design for the Arts and Culture Centre;
• Coastal protection works for Franklin Parade and The Esplanade;
• Stage 1 of the Jagger Road upgrade (from Bluff Road to Passatt Street);
• Continuing the collaboration with Business Victor Harbor to support local businesses;
• Implementing actions in response to what we heard through community satisfaction surveys;
• Continuing the significant review of the Victor Harbor Urban Growth Management Strategy and aligning Council’s Community Plan with these outcomes.

In adopting the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan and Budget, the Council also noted the broad range of community feedback received during the consultation period.

“Community input is an important part of our annual budget preparations, and the Council really values hearing from our residents and other stakeholders in our community,” said Mayor Jenkins.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views whether it be by talking to a Council Member, completing a survey or writing to us. The feedback we get helps inform our decision making.”

View the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan

View the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan Summary

View the 2023/24 Annual Business Plan Consultation Report

Related links:
Finance Documents