Liveability, resilience focus of 2022/23 budget
Delivering liveability and resilience to build a sustainable future for our community is the focus of the 2022/23 Whitsunday Regional Council Budget, adopted unanimously at a special meeting in Bowen today.
Acting Mayor Mike Brunker said with inflation running at six per cent in Queensland, Council has faced increased costs while also having less money coming in with reduced Federal and State government grants.
“Against the backdrop of these financial challenges, Council has worked hard to deliver a financially sustainable budget and keep the general rates revenue increase to 4 per cent.
“It is only the second general residential rates increase in six years for Whitsunday region ratepayers.
“This is a balanced Budget that continues to deliver services and enhance the liveability of our region, without compromising our future financial sustainability,” Cr Brunker said.
“Council will continue to deliver and upgrade infrastructure with $73 million in capital works to support our local economy.
“Importantly, our $137 million operating budget ensures we maintain sound financial management through an operating surplus of just over $227,000.
“In many ways, we are no different to our residents who have been forced to review their budgets for their households or business due to rising costs, both nationally and globally.”
Cr Brunker said Council will strive to reduce costs where it can, so it can spend where it must, to maintain service levels to our community.
“Every capital project approved has been prioritised through practical and proactive asset management planning which will ensure our infrastructure remains sound, and that we can continue to provide high levels of service, while minimising the financial burden for the future,” he said.
“I’m proud to say that Council will continue to provide one of the most generous pensioner rates concessions in Queensland,” he said.
“To ensure the continued delivery of essential services to the community there will be small increases in the charges for water, sewage and waste services.
“Our region’s water and sewer plants have recently had major upgrades, while waste and recycling facilities continue to be enhanced to effectively manage waste to landfill.”
Cr Brunker said that with a 2022/23 Capital and Remediation Program of $73 million, Council continues to build resilience into major infrastructure for water supply, sewerage, sealed and unsealed roads, drainage, parks, gardens and community facilities.
“In keeping with Council’s procurement policy that provides preference for locally based businesses, most of this money will be spent within region creating a strong local economic stimulus.”
Highlights of the capital works program include starting construction on a new $3.5 million waste cell at Kelsey Creek, a $1.9 million road reseal and rehabilitation program, a $1.6 million unsealed roads program, $800,000 Bicentennial Boardwalk refurbishment, $755,000 on the Edgecumbe Heights walking track and $989,000 on the Choose Collinsville project.
Importantly with an ongoing commitment to debt reduction, almost $5.4 million has been allocated to reduce our current loans, meaning Council will end the next financial year with a debt of less than $70 million for an asset base of $1.2 billion, in simple terms that compares to effectively owing just $70,000 on a $1.2 million home.
Cr Brunker said we are keen to seek opportunities to partner with our community, industry, small business and all tiers of government to ensure that the region remains a great place to live, work and play.
“We are the caretakers of an amazing and diverse part of the world and our community has historically shown amazing resilience in difficult times.
“Council will continue to provide strong united leadership and I look forward to working with CEO Mr Rod Ferguson on delivering the 2022/23 Whitsunday Regional Council budget for our community.”