Have your say: 2025–2026 Annual Business Plan released for consultation

Mayor Robert Bria says the Council’s draft Budget continues the Council’s ongoing commitment to investing in the Council’s infrastructure in response to the community’s expectations.

“Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty both nationally and internationally, the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters—like all other councils—faces a challenging financial environment,” says Mayor Bria.

“While interest rates and inflation have fallen in recent times, the legacy of these additional impacts on operational costs, and the cost of materials and labour required to deliver projects and provide services and programs, have been front of mind in the Council’s deliberations associated with this draft budget.

“The Council remains focused on adhering to the guiding principles of the Long-term Financial Plan (LTFP) by applying an 8.5% Rate Revenue increase in 2025–2026, to ensure it remains financially sustainable.

“This approach will help to ensure that the Council can continue to operate in a financially sustainable manner, which means its annual revenue will cover the costs of services and programs we deliver for our citizens.

The proposed budget will result in an average residential rate increase of 9.49% or $194, bringing the residential (average) rate to $2,238 while the average commercial rate will be $3,461 per annum.

Approximately 50% of ratepayers will pay the average rate or less while one third of residential properties (6,650) will pay the minimum rate of $1,386.

The projected Operating Budget Surplus is $754,356.

Infrastructure investment remains a core focus of the draft 2025–2026 Budget, with a total of $26 million allocated for capital projects, of which $11 million will fund the continued construction of the state-of-the-art Payneham Memorial Swimming Centre, which is expected to reach practical completion in the first half of 2026 (at which point the construction schedule will have spanned three financial years).

The Council also understands the importance of ensuring it keeps up its investment in essential infrastructure of roads, footpaths and kerbs for the community.

The 2025-26 Capital Works Program will include: 

• Resealing of roads ($3.5 million)
• Renewal of footpaths ($1.2 million)
• Kerbing ($1.5 million)
• Stormwater drainage ($2.1 million)
• Buildings ($2.6 million)
• Kent Town Infrastructure Upgrade ($400,000).

The Budget also includes new playgrounds and shade sails at Adey Reserve, Firle (which will also and St Peters Child Care Centre and Preschool.

A new playground will also be constructed at St Morris Reserve, to be undertaken as part of the St Morris Reserve Redevelopment, which forms the $7.5 million Stage 1 of the Trinity Valley Stormwater Drainage Upgrade project—the final phase of this multi-million dollar project to assist in protecting the community against the impacts of flooding.

“While these projects will be delivered in different areas of our City, each new project will bring benefits to our whole community,” says Mayor Bria.

Beyond infrastructure, the draft Annual Business Plan & Budget outlines a range of initiatives designed to foster community connection and wellbeing.

Funding is also allocated for the delivery of an exciting events program, which includes the 2026 Tour Down Under, Norwood Christmas Pageant, Raising the Bar and Concerts in the Park series.

A key attraction during the AFL season, $200,000 has also been allocated to the delivery of events and activations as part of the 2026 AFL Gather Round, which the Council hopes to be a part of for the fourth consecutive year.

“All of these events and activities help to build on our already strong sense of community, bringing neighbours, friends and visitors together to enjoy the best of what Norwood Payneham & St Peters has to offer,” adds Mayor Bria.

“The Council is getting on with the job of delivering for our community to improve the lifestyle and amenity of all who call our City home while ensuring the Council remains financially sustainable.”

Download a copy of the draft 2025–2026 Annual Business Plan and share your comments by visiting the Council’s website at www.npsp.sa.gov.au/consultation

Consultation closes 5pm, Friday 30 May 2025.

Media enquiries: Robert Bria on 0431 754 077 or Allison Kane on 0499 558 834