Rachel Chambers
July 6, 2016
North Burnett ratepayers will face a 4.95 per cent rate rise this year after the North Burnett Regional Council handed down its 2016-17 Budget in Biggenden on Wednesday.
Water access charges will rise from $536 to $563, and sewerage charges will rise from $526 to $552 for the first pedestal in occupied residential properties.
Residents will also pay a new $85 per property Landfill Management Levy.
This will replace the region’s former $48 Environmental Levy, but as compensation residents will now be allowed to dispose of household waste at all tips in the North Burnett at no charge.
Newly elected Mayor Rachel Chambers said the incoming Council’s priority was to revitalise the North Burnett’s road network.
“75 per cent of this year’s capital budget has been allocated to roads, bridges and drainage and an additional $1 million from the Operational Budget has been prioritised for rural road maintenance,” Mayor Chambers said.
“Council’s overall budget position for the 2016-2017 year will be a $3.1 million deficit, with income estimated at $34.6 million and expenditure for the year estimated at $37.7 million.
“However, over the next five years Council plans to return the budget to surplus.”
The North Burnett is the last of the South Burnett’s neighbours to hand down its 2016-17 Budget.
