The Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) has deemed the District Council of Grant as financially sustainable following the latest reporting round under the Local Government Advice Scheme.

Over a 6-month period, ESCOSA met with 17 Councils across South Australia, including the District Council of Grant, to review relevant financial information and develop independent advice on the appropriateness of funding plans, and ensuring community benefit is at the forefront of decision making.

District Council of Grant Chief Executive Officer Darryl Whicker said the review’s findings are very positive for Council identifying its sustainability.

“The report identified that a majority of key activities in place, such as our regular updating of the Long Term Financial Plan, consultation on the Annual Business Plan and Budget, and focus on keeping rates low, are setting Council and our community up for future success and longevity,” Mr Whicker said.

Reporting also detailed that Council continues to improve its transparency on changes to key planning assumptions within the Long Term Financial Plan, and Annual Business Plan and Budget. Council’s commitment to assign more funding to the renewal of assets rather than prioritising new infrastructure initiatives were further validated.

“However, with all audits there is the expectation that there will be some areas of learning and improvement,”

ESCOSA confirmed Council held $163.8 million worth of assets within the district which they recommended to be given to more frequent revaluation and renewal.

“Our focus will be on renewing our Asset Management Plans which are in place but are currently just at the end of their currency. That was certainly an element which we understood and will be correcting in the near future along with other improvement opportunities identified.”

Mayor Kylie Boston said this news proves timely as Council are currently in the middle of its annual budgeting process.

“The report reconfirms that Council’s ongoing work conducting a range of checks and balances, external audits and internal financial controls are on the right track and performing as they should,” Mayor Kylie Boston.

“Now we will look into the future to ensure we can continue to deliver services the community needs and wants in a continued efficient and sustainable way.”

The District Council of Grant will release its Draft 2024-2025 Annual Business Plan and Budget in the coming months ready for community consultation; a process which ESCOSA specifically identified as one of Council’s strengths.

A summary of the Essential Services Commission of South Australia’s advice can be found online at www.escosa.sa.gov.au/advice/advice-to-local-government.

For media enquiries, please contact Chief Executive Office Darryl Whicker on (08) 8721 0444 or info@dcgrant.sa.gov.au.

^{Pictured: Chief Executive Officer Darryl Whicker, Mayor Kylie Boston, Finance Manager Vanessa McDonald and Director Corporate Service Gary Button.}