In February 2025, the Essential Services Commission of South Australia (ESCOSA) found City of Mount Gambier’s historical, current and projected financial performance to be ‘mostly sustainable’. Under the Local Government Advice Scheme established through the Local Government Act 1999, the Commission released advice for the third tranche of 17 of the state’s 68 councils.
Under the Scheme, the Commission is an advisory body, providing advice to all councils across a four-year cycle. The aim of the Scheme is to provide independent, risk-based advice to assist councils when making long-term financial and investment decisions for the benefit of ratepayers.
The advice provided by ESCOSA relates to the appropriateness of Council’s long-term financial plans, infrastructure and asset management plans and revenue sources as outlined in the council’s funding plan. It is an advisory scheme, identifying both risks and areas of good practice for councils to consider in their planning processes, with decision making remaining the hands of the councils.
The full report can be downloaded below.
