Public Consultation Commences for the 2026-27 Draft Annual Business Plan
The Draft Annual Business Plan outlines Council’s proposed services, projects and financial priorities for the coming financial year, while maintaining a strong focus on long-term financial sustainability.
Key projects and initiatives proposed for 2026-27 include:
- Drogemuller and Heinrich Road Stage 1 Upgrades - $3 million
- Road works including re-sheeting and re-seals - $3.546 million
- Loxton and Waikerie Ramco Shared Path Projects (Stage 2) - $1.131 million Footpath, kerbing and walking trail projects - $560,680
- Community event and project support - $202,333
The Draft Annual Business Plan outlines a balanced operating budget, with an operating surplus of $2,000 and a capital works program valued at $13.727 million.
“In a challenging economic environment, Council remains focused on delivering the infrastructure, services and projects that are needed the most in our communities, while ensuring we maintain long-term financial sustainability. This Draft Annual Business Plan represents the final plan of the current Council term and provides an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved across our district over the past four years.
During this term, Council successfully navigated the significant impacts of the River Murray flood event and subsequent recovery process, restoring and rebuilding critical community assets across the district while continuing to deliver essential services and major infrastructure projects.
Throughout the term, Council has delivered and supported a broad range of initiatives that have strengthened community infrastructure, improved essential services, enhanced recreation and tourism assets, and supported future growth across the district.”
- Mayor Trevor Norton
Major achievements delivered during the current Council term include:
- Flood recovery projects restoring flood-affected assets and infrastructure across the district
- Delivery of major community facility developments, including the Loxton Library and Visitor Information Centre and Loxton East Terrace Amenities Development
- Facilitation and project management of the Waikerie Riverfront Community Hub and the new Loxton District Children’s Centre
- Riverfront infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to the Loxton and Waikerie boat ramps and pontoons, along with upgrades to Paisley riverfront facilities
- Critical road reconstruction and upgrade projects, including works on Billiatt Road and Taplan Road
- Expansion of the Loxton Retirement Village, including delivery of eight new units and a new community centre
- Major upgrades to the Loxton and Waikerie Wastewater Treatment Plants
- Attraction and delivery of major tourism and community events, including the SANFL Russell Ebert Tribute Matches, AusCycling Super Series events and implementation of the River Fringe Festival
- Ongoing support for infrastructure upgrades at local sporting and community clubs
“Council recognises the ongoing financial pressures facing many households and businesses across our region, particularly as drought conditions, low wine grape prices, and global political instability continue to impact our local economy.
In response, Council has worked to deliver a responsible and balanced budget that maintains essential infrastructure and services while minimising the burden on ratepayers. The proposed general rate revenue increase for 2026–27 is 3.9 per cent, which remains below the current CPI figure of 4.9 per cent.”
- David Beaton, Chief Executive Officer
The Draft Annual Business Plan 2026-27 will be available for public consultation from Wednesday 13 May 2026 until 5pm Wednesday 3 June 2026.
Copies of the plan are available:
- Online at engagement.lwdc.sa.gov.au
- By email at council@lwdc.sa.gov.au
- At Council offices and libraries located at:
- Loxton Council Office - 35 Bookpurnong Terrace, Loxton
- Waikerie Civic Centre - Strangman Road, Waikerie
- Loxton Library & Visitor Information Centre - East Terrace, Loxton
Providing Feedback
Council invites the community to provide feedback through the online submission form available at engagement.lwdc.sa.gov.au, or by submitting written feedback by email, post or in person.
Community members are also invited to attend one of two public information sessions to hear directly from Council and staff about the Draft Annual Business Plan, ask questions and provide feedback:
- Loxton
9am Wednesday 20 May 2026
The Precinct – Loxton - Waikerie
9am Wednesday 17 June 2026
Waikerie Riverfront Community Hub
A report containing all submissions received during the consultation period will be presented at the public Council meeting on Wednesday 17 June 2026.