The North Burnett Regional Council brought down its 2015-2016 Budget today, handing down a 4.2 per cent general rate increase.
Ratepayers will also pay a $536 water access charge; water consumption charges of $1.61 per kilolitre; sewerage charges of $526 for the first pedestal plus a $400 access charge; and a $250 annual charge for residential waste collection.
The region’s road and bridge network, the Eidsvold Water Treatment Plant and a $13.2 million upgrade of the Mundubbera, Monto and Gayndah airports will be the major focus of capital works expenditure.
North Burnett Mayor Don Waugh said his Council’s vision was to increase industry in the North Burnett, and he believed this could be done in the coming year.
“A key to this vision is continuing to advocate with Government for improved infrastructure and services, such as telecommunications and roads. Council is advocating strongly for this,” he said.
“The changes to the Federal Assistance Grant and the associated income loss are one the biggest challenges faced in the coming budget.
“In this climate where grants and subsidies have been withdrawn by State and Federal Governments to Local Government, it is of great concern to Council to cover costs and maintain services.”
Mayor Waugh said while his Council would still offer in-kind contributions to groups and organisations in the region who registered with the Council, cash grants would not be available.
“It is a budget that is prudent given our circumstance, and importantly reflects responsible fiscal management while still delivering excellent outcomes across the board for our community.”
The North Burnett is the last of the South Burnett’s five neighbour Councils to bring down its 2015-2016 Budget, and this year’s general rate rise is the highest in the cluster.
The next highest were Somerset (3.7 per cent), Toowoomba (3.0 per cent), South Burnett (2.75 per cent), Gympie (2.68 per cent) and Western Downs (2.5 per cent).
- External link: North Burnett Regional Council Presents Its Eighth Budget
