Council endorses draft plans for community consultation

Renmark Paringa Council has endorsed its draft strategic management plans for public consultation, inviting the community to share their feedback.

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Council endorsed the release of the:

• Draft 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget;
• Draft 2026–2035 Long Term Financial Plan; and
• Draft 2027-2036 Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan.

The draft plans outline Council’s proposed service delivery priorities, infrastructure investment and long-term financial direction, while responding to increasing cost pressures and the ongoing challenge of maintaining essential community assets and services.

The Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget includes a proposed average general rate revenue increase of 5.3% for 2026/27. For the average residential property, this equates to an estimated $111 per year, or about $2.13 per week.

Renmark Paringa Council Chief Executive Officer Tony Siviour said the draft plans reflected a disciplined and balanced approach to long-term financial sustainability.

“These plans have been developed to ensure Council can continue delivering essential infrastructure and services while planning responsibly for the future,” Mr Siviour said.

“Council continues to face significant cost pressures across areas such as construction, utilities, insurance, fuel, materials and day-to-day service delivery.”

Mr Siviour said extensive work undertaken to improve long-term financial planning, asset management and operational efficiency had helped moderate future financial pressures.

“Council has undertaken significant work to strengthen its long-term financial position, improve asset data and forecasting, review service delivery and identify efficiencies where possible,” he said.

“This work has contributed to a smaller operating deficit position in the short term, with Council now forecast to return to an operating surplus in 2027/28, one year earlier than projected 12 months ago”.

“That work has helped place Council in a stronger and more sustainable financial position than would otherwise have been the case”.

“The draft plans seek to balance affordability with the need to continue investing in the infrastructure, services and facilities our community relies upon.”

“Importantly, continued growth across the district is also helping to support Council’s long-term financial sustainability,” Mr Siviour said.

“Growth in the rate base means more properties contributing to the cost of delivering infrastructure and services across the district. In 2026/27, growth is expected to contribute approximately 0.7% in additional rate revenue, which helps reduce pressure on existing ratepayers.”

“As Renmark Paringa continues to grow and attract new residential, commercial and industrial development, this will continue to strengthen Council’s long-term financial capacity and help support the delivery of infrastructure and services into the future.”

Mr Siviour said community feedback received through recent engagement activities had played an important role in informing the draft plans.

“We’ve heard clearly from the community about the importance of maintaining core infrastructure and essential services, particularly roads and transport infrastructure, while also recognising the value our community places on recreation, activation and liveability,” he said.

“The plans also acknowledge the need for long-term planning around significant community infrastructure priorities, including future considerations associated with the Alan Coulter Recreation Centre.”

Key initiatives proposed for 2026/27 include:

• Expansion of the Renmark West CWMS network to support future residential growth and development.
• Planning and business case development for the future renewal of the Alan Coulter Recreation Centre.
• Continued advocacy and funding pursuit for River Murray levee bank improvements and flood preparedness planning.
• Ongoing investment in local roads and community infrastructure renewal across the district.
• Introduction of a hard waste voucher program aimed at reducing illegal dumping and improving community amenity.
• Continued work to strengthen Council’s long-term financial sustainability and operational efficiency.

Mayor Peter Hunter said the draft plans represented an important opportunity to continue shaping a strong and sustainable future for the Renmark Paringa district.

“Renmark Paringa is a vibrant and resilient community with enormous potential. While some industries, particularly wine grape growers, continue to face significant challenges, these plans are focused on ensuring we continue to build a region that future generations are proud to call home,” Mayor Hunter said.

“Council has a responsibility to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities, supporting growth, maintaining important infrastructure and continuing to invest in the liveability and wellbeing of our district.”

“These draft plans are about planning for the future of our communities, supporting economic confidence and ensuring Renmark Paringa continues to be a place where people want to live, work, invest and visit.”

Mayor Hunter encouraged community members to review the draft plans and provide feedback during the consultation period.

“Community input is an important part of Council’s decision-making process and we encourage residents, businesses and community groups to take the time to review the draft documents and have their say,” he said.

The draft plans will be available for public consultation from Wednesday 28 May 2026 to Friday 19 June 2026.

How to provide feedback:

Community members can view the draft plan and budget and provide feedback via Council’s consultation portal here 

Paper copies can be found at the Civic Centre and the Renmark Paringa Library.

Council is encouraging the community to provide feedback on the plan via:

Online survey: Council’s consultation portal here

Email response: council@rpc.sa.gov.au

Post: 61 Eighteenth Street, Renmark  SA 5341

Verbal submission: To be made at a Council meeting on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 7pm. Each speaker is allocated a maximum of five minutes. Register your interest via phone 08 8580 3000 or council@rpc.sa.gov.au

All media enquiries can be directed to: Jane Frahn, Communications and Engagement Officer on 8580 3000 or email jfrahn@rpc.sa.gov.au