BURDEKIN Shire ratepayers will face a “modest” 4 per cent rise in their annual rates bill, which Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said demonstrates consideration for the cost-of-living pressures faced by residents and local businesses.
In adopting its 2023/24 Budget, the Mayor said it built on strong foundations, “with allocations of $40.5 million for capital initiatives and $59.8 million for operational activities”.
Saying she was pleased to present the budget, Cr McLaughlin said the council was committed to living within its means and had managed to restrict the rate rise to well below inflation and the LGAQ’s Council Cost index of 6.9 per cent.
“In a further sign of Council’s commitment to sound financial management,” she said she was pleased to announce the removal of the $30 per property Aquatic Facility Charge for the 2023/24 year.
Cr McLaughlin announced the “highlights” of the budget on the southern side of the Burdekin River as:
• Home Hill Pool Upgrades: $295,000
• Home Hill Comfort Stop Refurbishment: $105,000
On a shire-wide basis, the “highlights” included:
• Roadworks and Reseals and Drainage: $12million
• Landfill and Transfer Station Upgrades: $680,000
• Cultural Venue Upgrades: $329,500
In and around the town of Ayr, those “highlights” included:
• Ayr/Brandon Wastewater Treatment Plant Macro Algal Earthworks: $6.5 million
• Facility Construction Ayr Industrial Estate Development: $3.2 million
• Ayr Showgrounds Main Hall Refurbishment: $350,000
• Burdekin Cascades Caravan Park Upgrades: $150,000
“Building on a strong foundation, the Budget reflects Council’s commitment to residents and dedication to developing the Burdekin as a place to live, work, play, visit and invest,” Cr McLaughlin said.
Recognising the importance of external funding sources, she said council would continue working with the State and Federal Government to secure grants, which will assist in relieving some financial pressures.
