Published on Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at 7:00:00 AM
Alice Springs Town Council has released its draft 2026/27 Municipal Plan and Budget alongside its new Draft Strategic Plan 2026–2030, with both now open for community consultation.
Together, the documents outline Council’s priorities for the year ahead as well as the longer-term direction for Alice Springs, with residents encouraged to have their say on the future of the town.
The Draft Strategic Plan sets the direction for the next four years, helping guide Council’s decision-making and future priorities around liveability, infrastructure, community wellbeing, sustainability and the continued growth of Alice Springs.
The Draft Municipal Plan and Budget focuses on the delivery of day-to-day services, major projects and ongoing maintenance across the municipality.
Mayor Asta Hill said the release of both documents marked an important milestone for the 15th Council.
“This is the first Municipal Plan, Budget and Strategic Plan developed by the 15th Council, and together they reflect both our immediate responsibilities and our longer-term vision for Alice Springs,” Mayor Hill said.
“The Strategic Plan is about looking ahead, understanding what matters most to our community and helping shape the future direction of our town over the next four years.
“At the same time, the Municipal Plan is about what we will deliver over the next 12 months, maintaining the services, facilities and infrastructure our community relies on every day.”
The draft budget includes an overall average rates increase of 4.7%, consistent with Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan. This year, Council is also proposing a differential rating model, which changes how rates are distributed across property categories in an effort to create a fairer and more equitable system for the community.
Mayor Hill said the proposed approach reflects rating models already used by many councils across Australia.
“This is not about significantly increasing Council’s overall revenue beyond what has already been planned for,” she said. It’s about making sure the way rates are distributed across the community is as fair and balanced as possible.
“We know cost of living remains front of mind for many people, and these decisions have been carefully considered as part of Council’s responsibility to plan sustainably while continuing to deliver the services and infrastructure the community expects.”
Key priorities included in the draft 2026/27 Municipal Plan and Budget include:
- $8.9M – Todd Mall upgrades
- $4.5M – Construction of a new Public Library
- $2.85M – Road and footpath upgrade program
- $1.75M – Solar battery and heat pump installation at the Aquatic & Leisure Centre
- $360k – School holiday programs
The Municipal Plan also outlines Council’s ongoing delivery of essential services including waste collection, community facilities, ranger services, recreation programs, parks and public spaces, local events and community support initiatives.
Mayor Hill said community consultation would play an important role in shaping the final versions of both documents.
“We’re encouraging residents to take the time to look through what’s proposed and tell us what they think,” she said.
“This is about making sure we continue delivering for the community today while also planning responsibly for the future of Alice Springs.”
Both the Draft Municipal Plan and Draft Strategic Plan are available to view by clicking the links below, or are available at the Council's Civic Centre Reception, with consultation now open.
You can give your feedback online by filling out this form.
2026/27 Municipal Plan
2026-30 Strategic Plan
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