July Meeting Update

Renmark Paringa Council July Meeting Update

Renmark Paringa Council held its monthly ordinary meeting last night.

Around 20 community members attended the meeting, with 6 people taking the opportunity to ask questions from the gallery.

After fielding questions from the gallery, including queries around the proposed rate rise and the Jane Eliza Development, the agenda items were then considered.

Upon considering the Annual Business Plan and Budget, Long Term Financial Plan and Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan, Cr James John moved a motion to lay the report on the table citing community concerns and feedback received about the proposed rate rise.

Deputy Mayor Margaret Howie seconded the motion, before the recommendation was unanimously passed.

The passed motion:

1. Lay agenda items 15.1 – Adoption of Valuation, Declaration of Rates and Service Charges 2025-2026, 15.2 – Discretionary Rates Rebates, 15.5 – Adoption of Strategic Management Plans on the table: and
2. Request that Council Administration return to Council with amended reports that seek to smooth the financial impact on ratepayers over a longer period – acknowledging community feedback regarding the burden proposed in Year 1; and
3. To be presented and considered by Council as soon as possible.

What does this mean?

Council administration will present options to Elected Members as per the recommendation at a meeting in the near future.

The selected option will then be utilised to update and endorse the Annual Business Plan and Budget, Long Term Financial Plan and Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan.

The date of that special meeting will be announced as soon as possible.

Some questions Council has received

Had Renmark Paringa Council considered other alternatives to raising rates?

Yes. An extensive budgeting process was undertaken to consider all options when shaping the proposed budget. A number of ‘budget levers’, were ‘pulled’ before considering the rates increase.

To avoid or minimise general rate increases, the Council implemented a range of financial strategies, including:

1. Capital Program Optimisation – Deferred $5.7 million in capital spending to future years.
2. Pursuing Grants – Secured funding through programs like the LGA Financial Sustainability Pilot.
3. Asset and Land Rationalisation – Surveyed community use of council-owned buildings and identified surplus properties for potential disposal.
4. Review of Fees and Charges – Conducted a comprehensive review and benchmarking to inform the Annual Business Plan.
5. Cost Reduction in Materials and Contracts – Achieved a 6% budget reduction, including a temporary freeze on grants and sponsorships.
6. Renewable Energy Initiatives – Continued efforts to reduce energy use and related costs.
7. Staffing and Contracted Services Review – Assessed opportunities for service consolidation and efficiency through automation.
8. Discretional Rate Rebates Review – Planned a review of all non-mandatory rate rebates.
9. Debt Reallocation – Explored shifting debt to long-term financing to improve sustainability.
10. Service Standards Review – Identified potential savings by adjusting current service levels.
11. Internal Process Optimisation – Reviewed ICT strategy and created a short-term role to support project delivery.
12. Events Review – Analysed community events and proposed a scaled-back events and sponsorship program.

These efforts were undertaken before considering any increase to general rates, which remained a last resort.

Has Council considered the ratepayer?

Council understands and empathises with the financial pressure the community is facing due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Rising inflation, increasing interest rates, and higher costs for essential goods and services are affecting households and businesses across the region.

At the same time, Council is not immune to these pressures. The cost of delivering everyday services—such as waste collection, infrastructure maintenance, community facilities, and recovery efforts from the 2022 River Murray flood—has risen significantly. These external factors have directly impacted Council’s ability to maintain service levels without additional financial strain.

I am struggling to pay my rates, what can I do?

Council understands that many households and businesses are under financial pressure, and there are supports in place for ratepayers who are experiencing difficulty.

There are a number of options available if you’re struggling to pay your rates:

• Rates Hardship Relief – Council has a Rates Hardship Policy that allows eligible ratepayers to apply for payment arrangements, deferrals, or, in some cases, remission of rates. Each case is assessed individually with compassion and confidentiality.
• Concessions and Rebates – You may be eligible for State Government concessions, including the Cost of Living Concession or Rates Concession. Visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions or call 1800 307 758 to learn more.
• Financial Counselling – Free, confidential support is available through services such as the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) or local providers such as AC Care and Centacare.

We strongly encourage anyone having trouble meeting their rates payments to contact our Finance Team on 8580 3000 or email council@renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au.

You can also view Council’s Rates Hardship Policy here.

To see the draft plans and to read more FAQs  visit here: https://engagement.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/renmark-paringa-council-annual-plans-202526