Following endorsement at the April 23 Council Meeting, Council is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget is now open for community consultation.

City of Prospect Mayor, Matt Larwood, said this year's Draft Plan and Budget prioritises the community's needs and reflects a commitment to responsible spending in the current economic climate.

“With rising costs of living impacting households, we’ve strived to keep the proposed average residential rate rise to 4.15%, said Mayor Larwood.

Unveiling the key projects in the Draft Plan and Budget, Mayor Larwood emphasised the Council's continued focus on building a sustainable, vibrant, and well-rounded Prospect.

Continuing to prioritise sustainability, the Draft Plan and Budget sees the successful Weekly FOGO Collection Trial to be extended by a further 12 months.

"This initiative promotes sustainable waste management practices and saves money on landfill disposal fees through waste diversion," explained Mayor Larwood.

The Draft Plan and Budget also prioritises the exciting development of the Prospect Lifestyle Precinct. This multi-use space will encompass Prospect Oval, Memorial Gardens, the North Adelaide Croquet Club, and Council’s purchase of 142-148 Main North Road.

"By taking a precinct-wide approach, we aim to revitalise the Main North Road corridor, attracting investment and potentially leading to future economic development," explained Mayor Larwood.

"This development has the potential to benefit all residents by reducing reliance on residential rates in the future."

Funding continues for popular community events like the Prospect Spring Fair, Prospect Fringe, and Twilight Sessions, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Heritage preservation efforts are also supported through the Council's ongoing Heritage Thematic Analysis.

The Draft Plan and Budget allocates resources for Council’s Stormwater Management Plan, including the Churchill Road Drainage Project and Livingstone Avenue Upgrade, to tackle flooding issues in the city's west.

Additionally, funding is included to upgrade lighting at Prospect Oval to meet broadcast standards for professional sporting events, attracting more visitors to Prospect and boosting the local economy.

Mayor Larwood explained that Council is still evaluating several key projects, including the potential city-wide rollout of weekly FOGO collection, removing of the current traffic calming device at the Howard and Balfour Street intersection, and parking solutions for the Village Heart precinct.

“We believe these projects offer significant benefits, but community input on these initiatives and their associated costs will be crucial in shaping the final budget,” said Mayor Larwood.

Consultation for the 2024-2025 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget will remain open until 5pm on Friday 31 May.

“Community input is vital. I strongly encourage residents to have their say on the Draft Plan and Budget,” said Mayor Larwood.

To read the 2024-2025 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget and provide feedback, please visit Council’s Engagement Hub at cityofprospect.engagementhub.com.au.