Draft 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan & Budget and Proposed Differential Rating

This survey has now closed.

UPDATE

Council considered the feedback received during the consultation period on Tuesday 18 June 2024.

At this meeting Council:

• decided not to introduce differential rating on vacant land and to continue to set a single rate in the dollar for all rateable property, and
• confirmed the general rate increase for the 2024/2025 financial year of 4.80% plus growth for newly created and developed properties.

Further details on the above decisions are available in the respective Council reports which may be viewed at this LINK.

Background

The Draft 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan and Budget (ABP&B) has been developed to help deliver outcomes set out in our Strategic Plan, while continuing our commitment for a safe, sustainable and vibrant community.

This Draft ABP&B proposes the introduction of differential rating for vacant land holders from 1 July 2024, and implementation of a range of exciting projects to further enhance the liveability of our area and stimulate our local economy. This document provides an opportunity for you to provide feedback on both of these proposals.

Council is considering introducing differential rating as an important initiative to stimulate development and tackle the housing crisis. The initiative aims to unlock vacant land while offering support to ratepayers and the Community.

Campbelltown ratepayers will continue to have the lowest average rate in metropolitan Adelaide, even if differential rating is introduced.

Council’s adopted Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) and Draft ABP&B demonstrates its ongoing commitment to financial sustainability whilst continuing to provide excellent services and new projects within the context of a General Rate increase of 4.80% plus growth from newly created and developed properties.

Despite significant cost increases over recent years, Council has worked hard to manage its budgets. This proposed rate increase is based on the Adelaide Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the year ended December 2023.

Proposed Differential Rating

Council is considering introducing a differential rating system to address the housing crisis and stimulate development.

Campbelltown City Council is the only metropolitan Council without a differential rating system, applying a single rate in the dollar to property values equally regardless of property type. (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, vacant, primary production or other).

The proposed differential rating system would entail rating vacant land at 200%, effectively double the General Rate in the Dollar.

The rationale behind the proposed differential rating will assist in unlocking land for development and addressing the housing crisis. By incentivising the development of vacant land, Council aims to increase the supply of available housing within the Community. This strategic approach is essential for addressing the growing demand for residential properties and fostering sustainable urban development.

To support ratepayers who own vacant land with the intention to develop, Council is exploring the introduction of a discretionary rate rebate. This initiative would allow eligible vacant land owners who have successfully lodged a development application for a dwelling on the PlanSA Portal to apply for a discretionary rate rebate for up to 2 years, exempting them from paying the increased rate (ie 200%) for that period.

As Council is consulting on the potential introduction of differential rating, it is important to note that the financial impact of differential rating has not been built into the Draft ABP&B at this time.

Any additional rates income raised from vacant land will be used to help fund future capital projects, new programs, services or initiatives.

Updated Rating Policy

Council has proposed some updates to the current Rating Policy to address differential rating. Two versions of the draft policy have been prepared for consideration. The first outlines the Rating Policy if differential rating is not adopted. The second shows the proposed changes if differential rating is adopted by Council.

How you can get involved

Connect with us, review the full Draft ABP&B and Proposed Differential Rating Report, read the questions being asked by our Community (refer to FAQs listed at right) or ask your own questions below, and provide your feedback in one of the following ways:

• Preferably via the online Feedback Form
• Download and complete a hardcopy Feedback Form and return it to Council
• Email: mail@campbelltown.sa.gov.au with the subject “Draft ABP&B”
• Write a letter to: Community Engagement Officer, Campbelltown City Council PO Box 1, Campbelltown SA 5074
• Attend a meeting to discuss plans with Staff and provide feedback.

Consultation closes: 9am, Monday 3 June 2024.

The outcomes and feedback from this consultation will be considered by Council at its 18 June 2024 meeting, with the ABP&B to be adopted on 2 July 2024.

Random Prize Draw: All Participants go in the draw to win a $100 Why Leave Campbelltown gift card!