Peterborough council lifts rates 12% amid missing $4.5 million wastewater funds

The District Council of Peterborough moved to increase residential rates by an additional 12%, following a 10% rise the previous year, positioning the area’s rates as the most expensive in South Australia for two consecutive years. Acting chief executive Henry Inat confirmed that $4.5 million intended for the Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS) had been reallocated to cover a range of operating expenses, leaving the CWMS account nearly empty.

With a projected operating deficit of $240,000 for 2026/27 and a negative operating ratio of -4%, the council faces pressure to repay the wastewater fund, including interest. Over the past two years the council has dismissed ten staff members and lost five chief executives, yet it does not plan to offset the shortfall through further job cuts. Community members such as Molly Moate questioned whether the CWMS revenue will be absorbed into general funds and how the council will meet its obligations. The state government is negotiating an extension for the council to reach a surplus by the 2027/28 fiscal year, while the Essential Services Commission of SA cited cost overruns and implementation issues as contributors to the financial strain.