Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and Municipal Plan 2026/27 (Closed)

Posted: 13/05/2026 Closing Date: 03/06/2026 12:00 AM

What are the Plans?

While related, both documents have different purposes and timeframes they relate to:

Strategic Plan: A four-year “big picture” document guiding decisions on liveability, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Municipal Plan: The Municipal Plan is Alice Springs Town Council’s roadmap for the next financial year. It outlines projects, initiatives and budget details

With the consultation wrapped up and the Plans both endorsed by Council, you can view the full plans by clicking the buttons below -

Strategic Plan 2026-2023

Municipal Plan 2026/27

What are the Key Things to Know

Strategic Plan 2026-30: The Four-Year Vision

This plan sets the direction for the next four years to ensure Alice Springs remains a place where everyone belongs. It is built around five "Pillars":

A Great Place to Live, Every Day: Focusing on a clean, well-presented town with accessible roads, footpaths, and vibrant public art.
A Safe, Supported and Strong Community: Approaching safety through prevention and partnership, including better public lighting and emergency preparedness.
A Healthy and Resilient Natural Environment: Protecting local ecosystems and aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2030.
A Thriving and Sustainable Local Economy: Supporting local business growth, workforce attraction, and a revitalised town centre.
Community-Led Governance and Civic Participation: Committing to open, transparent communication and genuine community consultation.

Municipal Plan 2026/27: Council's plans for the coming year

What’s Changed?

Key Project Priorities for 2026/27

$8.9M – Todd Mall Upgrades: Part of a broader project to make the CBD safer and more vibrant.
$4.5M – New Public Library: Moving into the construction phase to create a modern, accessible community hub.
$2.85M – Road and Footpath Program: Ongoing upgrades to improve safety and accessibility across the town.
$1.75M – Solar & Energy Upgrades: Installing a solar battery and heat pumps at the Aquatic & Leisure Centre to reduce emissions.
$360k – School Holiday Programs: Delivering term and holiday activities for local children and youth.

Everyday Services

Beyond big projects, the budget covers essential services including:

Waste Collection: Managing the regional waste facility and kerbside pickup.
Town Maintenance: Caring for 70 parks, 221km of roads, and 143km of footpaths.
Community Support: Operating the Animal Shelter, Library, Rangers, and local events.

Information for Ratepayers

Council aims to plan sustainably while delivering the high-quality infrastructure the community expects.
Average Rates Increase: A proposed 4.7% increase, which aligns with Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan.
New Rating Model: Council is proposing a differential rating model. This is designed to distribute rates across different property types (like residential vs. commercial) more fairly and equitably.
Waste Charges: These are proposed to increase by 5.92%, primarily due to rising global fuel and disposal costs.
Ratepayer Support: Support remains available for those facing financial hardship, alongside a $180 subsidy for eligible pensioners and the “Early Bird” refund draw.

Who We Spoke To

Local residents: Most people who contributed were long‑term locals from both town suburbs and rural areas.
Families and community users: Many responses came from families and people who regularly use Council facilities and services.
Environmental advocates: Strong input came from groups and individuals focused on climate, biodiversity, and buffel grass management.
Key stakeholders: Several detailed written submissions were received from community leaders and local organisations.

How We Engaged

Online feedback: 53 people shared their views through our digital consultation form.
In‑person conversations: Around 30 community members spoke with Elected Members at our Council Connects pop‑up.
Social media insights: We reviewed community sentiment across social platforms to capture broader perspectives.
Formal submissions: Organisations and individuals provided in‑depth written feedback to help shape the plans.

What We Heard

Focus on the basics: People want Council to prioritise core services like roads, footpaths, lighting, and weed management.
Community safety matters: Safety in public spaces remains one of the community’s top long‑term priorities.
Environmental action: There is strong support for tackling buffel grass, protecting rivers, and planning for extreme heat.
Financial transparency: Many asked for clearer explanations of rates, spending, and long‑term financial planning.
Support for local business: Residents want Council to prioritise local contractors and help activate the CBD.
Cultural respect: People emphasised the importance of working closely with Traditional Custodians on land, river, and cultural site management.
Better facilities and public spaces: Upgrades to parks, sports facilities, and community spaces were commonly requested.

Busting Myths

During the consultation period, we had a few questions about the proposed Differential Rating Model in Council's Draft Municipal Plan. To clear up a few common misconceptions, see below -

❌ MYTH	✅ FACT
❌ Rural properties are charged the same rates as residential properties in town.	✅The proposed model changes how rates are distributed across property categories. It does not materially change Council's overall revenue.
❌ Council is changing the rating model to make more money.	✅The proposed model changes how rates are distributed across property categories. It does not materially change Council's overall revenue.
❌ Ratepayers are footing the bill for projects like the new Library and Todd Mall upgrades.	✅Many of Council's major projects are funded through significant Australian and Northern Territory Government grants.