Council Weighs Bikeway Alternatives as Budget and Naming Plans Advance

Adelaide City Council councillors unanimously agreed to investigate options for an east-west bikeway through the CBD, abandoning the previously proposed Franklin Street route in favor of alternative options.

Background to the Bikeway Shift

The unanimous decision follows earlier work on an east-west cycling link that had focused on Franklin Street. Council records show the route was previously advanced as the preferred alignment before the shift to broader investigation of other corridors in the CBD.

Budget Context and Rate Setting

The Council has flagged a 5.6% rate increase for the 2026-27 draft budget, raising the average residential rate to $2,387, while delaying upgrades to a key nightlife precinct. These measures form part of the financial planning process that sets the average residential rate and adjusts project timelines within the same draft document.

Street Renaming Consultation Path

The Council is advancing formal consultation to rename a section of Queen Street in the CBD to 'Sister Janet Mead Way' to honor the late musician and homeless persons advocate. This step continues the council’s established process for commemorative naming requests that reach the formal consultation stage.

These items sit within the council’s regular cycle of infrastructure review, annual budget preparation and community naming proposals. The bikeway investigation, rate adjustment and street renaming consultation are now at the stage where further public input and formal steps can occur through the council’s published channels.

Residents seeking details on the draft budget or the Queen Street renaming consultation can access materials on the City of Adelaide website.

{"sources":[{"url":"https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/","title":"City of Adelaide official site"},{"url":"https://www.indailysa.com.au/news/just-in/2026/05/06/rate-rises-and-delays-to-long-touted-nightlife-upgrade-in-city-budget","title":"Rate rises and delays report"},{"url":"https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/media-centre/public-notices/","title":"Public notices"}]}