Research suggests the Alice Springs Town Council has approved the 2025-26 budget with a 4.7% rate rise.
It seems likely the budget includes major infrastructure investments, such as park upgrades and new facilities.
The evidence leans toward the budget being finalized on June 17, 2025, after public consultation.
The Alice Springs Town Council has likely passed the 2025-26 budget, which includes a 4.7% rate increase for residents. This means property rates, like council taxes, will go up by about $1.45 per week for minimum low-density residential properties and $1.52 for minimum commercial rates, aiming to fund community improvements.
The budget features significant spending, with a record $30.5 million allocated for capital projects. Key investments include completing the Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct, spending $5.8 million on parks and sports facilities (including Paul Fitzsimons Oval), and $2 million for road and footpath upgrades. There’s also $750,000 for a temporary library location while planning a new facility.
The draft budget was open for public feedback from May 8 to May 29, 2025, and was adopted at the council meeting on June 17, 2025, ensuring community input shaped the final plan. You can find more details on the council’s website at Alice Springs Town Council.
Research suggests the Alice Springs Town Council finalized its 2025-26 budget on June 17, 2025, following a period of public consultation. The draft Municipal Plan 2025/26, which includes the Annual Budget and rates, fees, and charges, was initially approved at the Ordinary Council Meeting on April 29, 2025, and made available for public comment from May 8 to May 29, 2025, as outlined in the council’s official PDF document .After reviewing submissions and incorporating changes, the final plan was adopted at the Ordinary Council Meeting on June 17, 2025, as confirmed in the same document. This timeline aligns with standard local government practices, ensuring community input before finalization.
The budget’s approval was reported in a recent article from the Courier Mail, published just 2 hours before the current time (02:00 AM PDT, June 17, 2025), titled “Alice Springs Town Council adopts latest 25/26 budget at June council meeting” .The article notes the budget includes a 4.7% rate rise, aligning with earlier draft details, and outlines community investments, though specific figures were not detailed in the snippet.
It seems likely the 4.7% rate rise, as mentioned in the user’s statement and confirmed in the draft plan, was retained in the final budget. The draft, as reported in an April 30, 2025, article from Inside Local Government, stated a 4.7% increase would apply, equating to approximately $1.45 per week on the minimum low-density residential rate and $1.52 on the minimum commercial rate . Given the final adoption on June 17, 2025, without reported changes in news articles, it’s reasonable to assume this rate hike was approved, impacting residents and businesses to fund council services and projects.
The evidence leans toward significant infrastructure investments, with the draft budget allocating a record $30.5 million in capital expenditure, as detailed in the April 29, 2025, Inside Local Government article. Key projects include:
Anticipated completion of the Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct.
$5.8 million towards upgrades to parks and sporting facilities, including significant works at Paul Fitzsimons Oval.
$2 million dedicated to improving roads and footpaths across the municipality.
$750,000 to progress a temporary library location, with planning ongoing for a new, purpose-built facility.
These investments aim to enhance liveability, safety, and community spaces, as noted in the article. The NT Budget 2025 also supports Alice Springs with $168.7 million for infrastructure priorities, including a new library ($14.8 million), a multi-sports precinct in Gillen ($14.1 million), and a multicultural centre ($8.9 million), as per the Central Australia overview .While these figures are from the NT government, they complement the council’s budget, suggesting a coordinated approach to development.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Total Capital Expenditure | $30.5 million |
Infrastructure Investments | - Newland Park Regional Skate and Play Precinct (completion anticipated) |
- $5.8 million for parks and sporting facilities upgrades (incl. Paul Fitzsimons Oval) | |
- $2 million for roads and footpaths improvements | |
- $750,000 for temporary library location (planning for new facility ongoing) | |
Rate Rise | 4.7% increase for 2025/26 financial year |
- Approx. $1.45/week on minimum low density residential rate | |
- Approx. $1.52/week on minimum commercial rate | |
Public Consultation | Draft available from 8 May to 29 May 2025, final adoption 17 June 2025 |
Supporting URL | Alice Springs Town Council |
The draft budget was open for public consultation from May 8 to May 29, 2025, allowing residents to provide feedback, as noted in the council’s PDF and news reports. This process is crucial for ensuring community needs are addressed, with the final adoption on June 17, 2025, reflecting any incorporated changes. The council’s website, Alice Springs Town Council, provides access to the final plan, emphasizing transparency.
While the focus is on the 2025-26 budget, earlier budgets provide context. For instance, the 2024-25 draft budget also highlighted infrastructure and sustainability, as noted in a July 1, 2024, article from LG Focus .suggesting continuity in priorities. The NT Budget 2025’s significant allocations further underscore the region’s development focus, with $168.7 million for Alice Springs infrastructure, reinforcing the council’s efforts.
In summary, research suggests the Alice Springs Town Council approved the 2025-26 budget on June 17, 2025, with a 4.7% rate rise and $30.5 million in capital expenditure for major infrastructure projects like park upgrades and new facilities. The evidence leans toward community engagement through public consultation, ensuring a balanced approach to funding and development, with detailed insights from recent news and official documents.