Adelaide council backs 2024/25 budget changes with higher capital spend

Adelaide City Council voted to accept the first-quarter update to its 2024/25 Business Plan and Budget, including an increase in total capital expenditure to $122.912 million and a reduction in projected borrowings to $23.733 million by 30 June 2025.

The decisions came during the regular council meeting held on 26 November 2024 in the Council Chamber at Adelaide Town Hall. Councillors reviewed recommendations from the Audit and Risk Committee that had met on 8 November, focusing on year-to-date financial performance through 30 September. The changes affect spending on city infrastructure and events across Adelaide and North Adelaide.

Park Lands policy review delayed

Councillor Martin requested documents on minimum sporting code standards for facilities under current Park Lands leases before any final decision. The Lord Mayor ruled that two sections of the Adelaide Park Lands Community Buildings policy would return to the City Community Services and Culture Committee on 3 December 2024. Residents who use sports grounds on the Park Lands will see no immediate change until that committee reports back.

The same meeting recorded Councillor Martin’s material conflict of interest on a Her Majesty’s Theatre artwork proposal because of his Festival Centre Trust Board role, and the Lord Mayor’s conflict on the Council Member Allowances and Benefits Policy Review. Both stepped aside from those items.

Financial details from the quarter

Operating income reached $59.603 million, which was $0.788 million above the budgeted amount for the period. Operating expenses including depreciation totalled $226.341 million, while the operating surplus stood at $4.907 million. Capital expenditure for the quarter came in at $17.063 million. The full-year capital budget was lifted by $10.081 million from the adopted figure of $112.831 million. These numbers appear in the printed minutes of the 26 November meeting.

The motion passed on division with eight votes in favour and two against. Further consideration of event-funding weightings and the Park Lands policy will occur at the December committee meeting, giving community groups that book facilities or run events in the city centre additional time to comment.