Council continues its commitment to long-term financial sustainability
Berri Barmera Council has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term financial stability following the release of its draft budget for 2026/27.
Council is now seeking feedback on its draft Annual Business Plan 2026/27 (ABP) and updated Long-Term Financial Plan 2027-2036, which sets out the key priorities for the year ahead and outlines the significant improvements made to Council’s financial position over the past 12 months.
Berri Barmera Council CEO Tim Pfeiffer said the ABP 2026/27 “reflects a careful balance between returning to financial sustainability, delivering essential services and addressing the backlog of maintenance and renewal across community assets”.
“Delivering these priorities must be achieved in a financially constrained environment, noting the economic challenges facing the community, businesses and Council itself,” he said.
Mr Pfeiffer said Council remains focused on long-term sustainability while being mindful of current challenges.
“Building on the more than $1.7 million of annual operating efficiencies, savings and new non-rates based revenue already achieved over the past year, Council will continue to identify savings opportunities and build on the work already underway,” he said.
“This disciplined work has meant that the rates increase is less than previously forecast, which is a positive outcome.
“In addition, repairing the ageing Council building at 19 Wilson Street, Berri, and returning our administrative operations to the site will save the community more than $250,000 a year in operating costs.”
This work is being funded from existing capital and building renewal budget lines over the current and next financial year – meaning no additional funds will be required above and beyond what Council has already budgeted.
While the proposed average residential rate rise of 8.7 per cent is above the current CPI figure of 4.9 per cent, Mr Pfeiffer said the increase is necessary as part of the ongoing budget repair strategy.
Mr Pfeiffer said Council recognises the significant financial pressures being felt across the community and has maintained hardship provisions and rate rebates for those in need.
In recognition of the strain on the local wine sector, Council has proposed to continue its winegrape grower rebate.
Council will also continue prioritising the renewal and maintenance of existing assets – such as roads, footpaths, irrigation, stormwater and wastewater – over the delivery of new projects.
Mr Pfeiffer said a strategic property review will also be undertaken to consider the sale or disposal of assets no longer delivering significant community benefit.
“This rationalisation is intended to reduce debt, lower recurring asset management costs and support better use of Council’s properties,” he said.
Mr Pfeiffer said Council must also grow its rate base to ease increasing cost pressures on existing ratepayers, including by facilitating residential and commercial development opportunities.
He said projects such as the Berri West Infrastructure Feasibility Study would help enable significant housing and population growth.
Other major projects include the Bruno Bay boat ramp renewal, Lyrup Road reconstruction and Lake Bonney and jetty design works – all funded either entirely or significantly through external grants.
Council invites the community to provide feedback through the online submission form available at engagement.berribarmera.sa.gov.au or by submitting written feedback by email, post or in person.
Public consultation will close at 5pm on Tuesday, 16 June 2026.