Each year, we develop a plan and budget that sets out the programs and services we think will best meet our community’s needs.

The Long Term Financial Plan sets out 10-year financial projections that help to inform day-to-day and longer-term decision-making. It is a planning tool developed to map the city's financial sustainability into the future while meeting the needs and expectations of our community.

To fund Council’s full program of works, services, programs and renewals, the provisional rate increase for existing properties for the 2025-26 financial year is 4.95%.

The proposed rate increase of 4.95% comprises of:

• 2.5% (which aligns with Adelaide CPI at December 2024) to allow Council to deliver on its current program of services, renewal works and community activities and events
• 2.3% for Transforming Jetty Road, Glenelg (year 2 of 3)
• 0.15% to fund and deliver up to six community projects

Council owns and maintains a diverse asset portfolio worth over $889 million. Each year, we allocate funds to renew these assets.

We've budgeted $12.29 million for renewing important assets in 2025–26, which is significantly more than we’ve spent in previous years.

This year, as part of the community consultation process on the Draft 2025-26 Annual Business Plan, we asked for the community to indicate their level of support for six proposed projects that are together worth more than $589,000.

The six projects are:

• Adelphi Terrace pedestrian crossings - $120,00
• Jetty Road, Brighton traffic improvements, design and consultation - $50,000
• Paringa Park Primary School active transport stage two - $50,000
• Bowker Oval disability access pathway - $40,000
• North Brighton and St Jude’s cemetery upgrades - $256,000
• Fairy Lights Jetty Road, Brighton - $73,280

As the six community projects are new initiatives for this coming financial year, we sought the community’s level of support for the projects and the 0.15% increase in rates that would be required to fund and deliver them.

There was overall support for the projects, and as a result, Council has decided to proceed with all six projects this year.

Adelphi Terrace pedestrian crossings - $120,000

This project will improve pedestrian safety when crossing the road and improve bus stop disability

access. It includes the installation of two mid-road pedestrian refuges and an upgrade to bus stop 19 on Adelphi Terrace Glenelg North. Pedestrian refuge islands typically provide a traffic calming effect, as vehicles must deviate around the islands, further enhancing community safety.

This project includes two crossing locations:

› South location – Between St Annes Terrace and King Street pedestrian crossing with refuge island; ensuring the western bus stop is compliant and remains within parking lane; includes connection to Patawalonga shared use path; location determined based on physical parameters.

› North location – Patawilya Reserve pedestrian crossing with refuge island connection to

Patawalonga shared-use path. Removal of existing crossing point at MacFarlane Street.

Paringa Park Primary School active transport stage two - $50,000

This project will enable children to travel safely to and from school. This is the second stage of improvements to paths targeted for school children. This project includes the replacement of further existing pathway and kerb-ramp infrastructure to current standards,

including relocation where required to promote safe access for path users.

Jetty Road, Brighton traffic improvements, design and consultation - $50,000

This project will investigate and consult the community to develop design options to improve the street. This will allow residents, traders and visitors to help define the desired future character of the street. It will also provide the chance to design for improved accessibility and connection to the coastline.

Jetty Road Brighton is due for road renewal and kerb repairs in the next two years. This project will identify the extent of any improvements through investigation, design and community consultation. Improvements may include safety, intersections, pedestrian crossings, disability access and parking to coordinate with renewal works.

This will deliver a plan that can be used to attract grant funding and guide future Council budget allocations for the planned improvements.

Bowker Oval disability access pathway - $40,000

This project seeks to address an issue where some members of the community may be excluded from using the space. Currently, there is no way for a person living with a disability or mobility issues to access the Community Garden, BBQ and picnic table, or the play space. Current access is limited and includes traversing the grass or using a non-compliant concrete spoon drain.

The project will create a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)- compliant pathway from both the north and south car parks so that the community, particularly people living with disabilities or mobility issues, can access these community facilities.

North Brighton and St Jude's cemetery upgrades - $256,000

The project includes path improvements, tree planting, and new and refreshed garden beds. It will preserve North Brighton and St Jude's cemeteries’ historical importance while improving their usability and appearance for the broader community. Additional works will require funding in future Council budgets.

It will improve the overall tidiness and amenity of these spaces. It will increase tree canopy, update internal roads, improve landscaping and increase seating. It will also improve signage, particularly around heritage areas such as the Mawson grave at St Jude's.

Fairy Lights Jetty Road, Brighton - $73,280

To beautify Jetty Road and attract visitors and residents, temporary fairy lights have been on trial

for several months. This project will make this more permanent through the installation of underground electrical infrastructure and the purchase of street tree fairy lights. This project seeks to continue the beautification of the area with lighting that can be themed to times of the year. In this way, it is intended to promote tourism and visitor attractions. The project

covers the installation of supporting electrical infrastructure and the purchase of the commercial-grade fairy lights in street trees along parts of Jetty Road, Brighton.

The six projects have developed from known community priorities. This has been achieved through differing levels of community engagement, suggestions made to Elected Members, and information gathered by council staff in delivering works and services.

New projects can be suggested for the following budget in the 2026-27 financial year.

Along with the 2025-26 Annual Business Plan, Council’s Long Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 details the approach to financial management.

The Long Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 shows 10 years of projections and demonstrates in detail how Council delivers on its priorities while managing debt over the long term.

Council has a continued commitment to reducing total debt over 10 years. However, there is a variance in the Long Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35 that should be considered.

Although total new debt remains the same compared to previous projections, it will peak earlier in 2025-26 and then reduce more quickly. The earlier peak is due to the Transforming Jetty Road Glenelg construction timeline being brought forward.

Council also receives detailed monthly financial reports, including its current debt management position. All these statements are publicly available on Council’s website at holdfast.sa.gov.au/council-meetings

Full details of Council’s debt position can be found on pages 21 - 22 of the Long Term Financial Plan 2025-26 to 2034-35.

Each year, we work out how much money Council needs to operate and then divide it by the total value of all properties in the council area. This gives us the amount we need to collect for every dollar of property value, known as the rate in the dollar.

There are different rates for residential and commercial properties. In 2024-25, commercial rates were 63% higher than residential rates. This will remain the same in 2025-26.

For example, these are the rates that would be paid on a property valued at $985,437 (which is the average 2024-25 residential property value).

No. If property values increase, Council decreases the rate in the dollar to ensure that the amount collected is only what is needed.

The City of Holdfast Bay has rate levels below the Adelaide metropolitan average

- LGASA Rates Survey

In 2024–25, the average (mean) residential property valuation in the City of Holdfast Bay was $985,437. The following table compares the rates if a property in other council areas had this valuation.

Council support may be available if you’re having trouble paying your rates. We want to make sure we’re collecting rates in a compassionate, fair and financially responsible manner. That’s one of the reasons why Council decreases the rate in the dollar if property values rise – to make sure we only collect the amount we need.

More information about Council’s Financial Hardship Policy and Procedures can be found at Financial Hardship Application | City of Holdfast Bay