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Adelaide City Council Approves Rate Rise, Updates Bylaws for 2026-27
Council actions this week include a rate rise, by-law updates and a delayed election timeline.
How we reported this
The Adelaide City Council approved a 5.6% rate increase for 2026-27, lifting the average residential property rate to $2,387 and affecting approximately 30,000 CBD and North Adelaide residents.
Rate Rise Linked to Population Target
This decision forms part of the council's stated goal to reach 50,000 residents by 2036. The increase applies across CBD and North Adelaide properties and reflects the council's latest annual budget process.
By-law Changes Taking Effect
The council endorsed the 2024 By-laws in August 2024, with those rules becoming effective on 5 January 2025. It later adopted the Miscellaneous Amendment By-law 2025 in April 2025, scheduled to commence on 1 September 2025. These updates follow the council's regular by-law review cycle.
Capital City Committee Programs Continue
The Capital City Committee, formed in 1998 as a partnership between the Adelaide City Council and the South Australian government, continues to endorse annual programs. These include efforts to activate side streets, support the late-night economy and promote Renew Adelaide to place creative enterprises in vacant commercial spaces.
Draft Budget Defers Some Works
The council's draft budget for 2026-27 delays upgrades to a major nightlife precinct. At the same time it allocates $13.6 million to a main street revitalisation program aimed at rejuvenating city streets.
Election Voting Date Shifted
The 2026 City of Adelaide Council Election voting closure has been moved to 7 April 2027. This change alters the previous schedule for the next council election.
Residents in the CBD and North Adelaide can review the full draft documents on the council's public site for further details on how these measures will be implemented.