Budgets

This budget forecasts a deficit of $1.5 million for the year, a reduction from deficit originally forecast last year. 

Last year's budget forecast a deficit of $7.5 million, with Council promising to undertake a thorough review of materials and services expenditure to reduce the deficit during the year.

This review saw the forecast deficit reduced to an actual operating deficit of $5.27 million over the financial year.

This budget forecasts a return to a balanced budget next year, ahead of schedule.

This budget reflects Council’s ongoing plan, announced last year, to normalise finances by addressing our rates strategy to ensure it is fair and sustainable.

This budget:

• A 5% increase in the rate in the dollar to residential properties.
• A 5% increase in the rate in the dollar to rural properties, with capping fully removed.
• A 15% increase in the rate in the dollar to commercial and industrial properties.
• A 15% increase in the rate in the dollar to resource sector and related properties.

In residential land rates, there are approximately 4,400 assessments with the average increase across all assessments being $46 per year or $3.87 per month.

In the rural category, there are approximately 1,611 assessments with the average increase across all assessments is $230 per year or $19.16 per month.

“We are very mindful of the cost-of-living pressures that continue to challenge families right across the region,” Mayor Taylor said.

“But by staying the course on our financial strategy, we’ve positioned Council to deliver a balanced budget next year - earlier than anticipated - while continuing to invest across the region.”

This budget outlines a works program of $91.1 million, including:

• $24.7 million for the construction of the Denise Spencer Aquatic Centre;
• $40.8 million for Roads and Drainage. including $28.1 million for rural roads, and;
• $4.5 million for facility upgrades across the region.

Mayor Taylor said a highlight for all Councillors was the investment in Council facilities, parks and gardens across the region.

“Together, Councillors acknowledged the long maintenance backlog and the need for ‘quick wins’ in areas important to local residents,” she said.

“We’ve funded 37 projects that will improve local facilities and public spaces - enhancing liveability across the region.”

Among the projects funded are:

• $75,000 Cobb and Co Changing Station Museum Painting.
• $150,000 to Replace large section of roof at Roma Community Arts Centre.
• $32,000 to construct a verandah at the Injune Cricket Clubhouse,
• $132,000 towards restumping and plumbing at Mitchell Town Hall and installing sound and projection equipment
• $48,000 Wallumbilla Tennis Courts hit up wall.

A full list of projects across the region can be seen in the budget pack.

A major focus for this Council has been to advocate for the interests of our region. 

Council's efforts to work with the State and Federal government has paid dividends, with both levels of government making significant contributions to the redevelopment of the Denise Spencer Memorial Pool, annouced last year. The redevelopment, which started in April this year, would not have been possible without these grants.

The Maranoa faces a housing crisis that bleeds into every aspect of the economic development and liveability of the region by preventing us from attracting skills and workers. This impacts business, as well as such basic services as health and childcare. 

Advocating on this issue continues to be a major focus for this Council, and this budget provides $1.5 million towards construction and maintenance projects to help to alleviate the shortage.